Iowa Quarterback Cade McNamara Denounces 'Absurd' Gossip

Iowa's quarterback, Cade McNamara, issued a statement on Friday denouncing the "completely false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his last pass for the Hawkeyes.

McNamara has been out of commission since suffering a concussion during the October 26th victory against Northwestern.

Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten), but is now sidelined with an ankle injury for Saturday's game against Maryland (4-6, 1-6).

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According to Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, if McNamara is unable to play, Jackson Stratton will likely take over as the starting quarterback against the Terrapins.

McNamara's uncertain status has sparked speculation on a podcast this week that he is "not mentally prepared to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara, who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa, is not currently "capable of playing quarterback in the Big Ten."

"We don't want to write off his career just yet, but it does seem like his interception against Northwestern was his final snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said.

In eight games this season, McNamara has passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions.

In his statement, McNamara clarified his current status, saying, "My status remains the same - I am a proud member of this football team."

McNamara also revealed that he has not yet been cleared to play. Although he was cleared to practice on Sunday, he experienced an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week or travel with the team to Maryland.

"I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, and undergoing hyperbaric treatments as often as possible," McNamara explained. "I fully intend to play against Nebraska next Friday night and I have faith that my teammates will bring home a win from Maryland."

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Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9% of his passes for 4,703 yards, with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games.