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Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. updates status for Minnesota game
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- Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. updates status for Minnesota game
The bye week seems to have come at the perfect time for Iowa's fourth-year running back L.J. Phillips Jr.
Phillips was banged up late in the Hawkeyes ' 41-24 win at Washington . He was thrown to the ground after a play was over and limped off the field.
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Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Phillips shared he had a small re-aggravation of the ankle injury that cost him games this season. He also gave an update on his status for Saturday's big contest with Minnesota.
The South Dakota transfer revealed he'll be good to go against the Gophers. Iowa will have its full complement of skill position players for this rivalry game.
Phillips hasn't found a rhythm with the Hawkeyes. He initially injured his ankle in Week 1 and didn't return until the Ohio State game in Week 5. Despite that, he has looked good when on the field. Phillips has carried 18 times for 63 yards. He had 10 carries for 42 yards against the Huskies.
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Phillips rushed for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns with South Dakota last season. The 5-foot-8 running back was a big pickup for Kirk Ferentz in the transfer portal.
When healthy, he can be an game-changer for this Iowa offense. Coming off a bye week, the Hawkeyes are hoping they'll get the best out of Phillips in the back half of the season.
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Iowa's Kirk Ferentz named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/20
Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20
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Iowa football rises again in latest AP Top 25 rankings
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
(Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. updates status for Minnesota game
