Iowa QB Cade McNamara's Week 1 status in doubt despite being listed as starter
Cade McNamara is listed as the University of Iowa's starting quarterback this weekend when the Hawkeyes take on Utah State. This is despite the fact that the Michigan transfer hurt himself just two weeks ago while scrambling in practice.
This is also despite the fact that McNamara's availability is questionable, to say the least.
McNamara appeared to hurt his squad after an "awkward fall" in practice earlier in the month. He missed his first practice on Aug. 13 and has been out until just a few days ago. A team picture showed him in a huddle on Aug. 26.
The Hawkeyes listed McNamara as the top quarterback on the depth chart on Week 1's two-deep. It was also announced that he was medically cleared to play.
But will he?
That still remains up in the air, per the quarterback himself.
"I'm really just getting better every single day. That decision just really going to come down to the coaches and medical staff," McNamara said when asked if he expects to play against Utah State.
The graduate transfer also relayed that while he has been practicing, he hasn't participated 100%.
"My intention and my goal is to play as many games as I possibly can. Of course, I want to be out there with my teammates. Like I said, it's just kind of down to what the coaches feel and what the medical staff fields," McNamara said.
Even though Utah State isn't the toughest Week 1 opponent, one has to imagine head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes would like McNamara out there if he can go. He was the prized transfer of their offseason, after all.
A two-year letterman, he transferred from Michigan after losing the starting job to J.J. McCarthy. McNamara appeared in 21 games for Michigan, starting 16. He had a 13-3 record as a starter and has been largely hailed as the person who can turn around Iowa's historical anemic offense.
The Hawkeyes scored only 17.7 points per game in 2022, and a good chunk of those points were defensive scores.
They'll need as much as McNamara can give them in 2023. Even against Utah State.
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