Story by
CBS shares injury update on Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr.
- Story by
- CBS shares injury update on Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr.
The Iowa football program received a big injury update on running back LJ Phillips Jr. on Monday.
Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports reported Phillips suffered a high ankle sprain in the Hawkeyes ' 40-0 win over Northern Illinois on Saturday. Phillips limped off the field near the end of the first quarter and didn't return.
High ankle sprain recovery times can be tricky to evaluate. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a player can miss anywhere from 2-12 weeks. A recovery timeline for a typical high ankle sprain usually falls in the 4-6 week range. If that's the case for Phillips, he could be out until Iowa 's bye week, which is in just over six weeks. That would mean he misses the games against Michigan , Ohio State and Washington .
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Before the injury, Phillips had four carries for five yards. Last season at South Dakota, he rushed for 1,921 yards and 19 touchdowns. There should be a further update when coach Kirk Ferentz speaks with the media on Tuesday.
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Evan James (8) runs the ball as Northern Illinois Huskies running back Elijah Porter (24) looks to pursue during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to make a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reaches for a pass during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks a field goal as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the second quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) drops a touchdown pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks an extra point as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs for a 66 yard touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) looks to throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) takes the snap from offensive lineman Cael Winter (61) at the line of scrimmage against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes cheerleaders react before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Iose Epenesa (97) and defensive back Noah Daniel (29) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) and offensive lineman Trevor Lauck (59) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Evan James (8) runs the ball as Northern Illinois Huskies running back Elijah Porter (24) looks to pursue during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to make a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reaches for a pass during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/17
Iowa football praises 'best' version of Kamari Moulton in opener
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks a field goal as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the second quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) drops a touchdown pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks an extra point as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/17
Iowa football shares optimistic injury updates entering Michigan game
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs for a 66 yard touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) looks to throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) takes the snap from offensive lineman Cael Winter (61) at the line of scrimmage against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes cheerleaders react before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Iose Epenesa (97) and defensive back Noah Daniel (29) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) and offensive lineman Trevor Lauck (59) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CBS shares injury update on Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr.
