Cade McNamara Addresses Health Status Amid Speculation

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Amidst swirling speculation regarding his current status with the Iowa football program, Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara has issued a statement reaffirming his ongoing affiliation with the team as he recovers from a concussion. The announcement follows various rumors concerning his ability to participate in upcoming games.

In a statement shared on social media, McNamara confirmed, «I have NOT been cleared to play yet.» He detailed that although he was permitted to partake in practice activities last Sunday, he experienced an adverse reaction, which he notes is a common occurrence for individuals emerging from concussion protocols. As of now, McNamara has not physically participated in practices from Monday through Thursday, though he has been involved in lifting and attending meetings to his capacity.

McNamara emphasized that he will not be traveling or participating in Iowa’s impending game against Maryland. However, he expressed his aim to return for the Hawkeyes’ season finale against Nebraska, scheduled for Black Friday.

The quarterback has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion on October 26 during a game against Northwestern. In the interim, Brendan Sullivan assumed the quarterback responsibilities, leading Iowa to a 40-14 victory over Northwestern and later starting in their 42-10 win against Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Sullivan suffered an injury during a match against UCLA, which led to walk-on player Jackson Stratton stepping onto the field.

Stratton, earmarked for the start against Maryland, received praise from Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, who noted during a recent radio show, «He’ll get the start. Confident that he’ll do a great job… and he’s learning every day.» In his previous debut performance against UCLA, Stratton completed 3 out of 6 passes, amassing 28 yards.

McNamara joined Iowa after transferring from Michigan, where he was instrumental in aiding the Wolverines to secure the 2021 Big Ten title. Before his injury, he accrued 1,022 passing yards, registering 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Iowa.