Kelly-Martin out, Fant expected to play vs. Indiana

Ivory Kelly-Martin won’t play against Indiana. Noah Fant will, but his time will be limited.

Iowa+running+back+Ivory+Kelly-Martin+carries+the+ball+during+Iowas+game+against+Minnesota+at+TCF+Bank+Stadium+on+Saturday%2C+October+6%2C+2018.+The+Hawkeyes+defeated+the+Golden+Gophers+48-31.

Nick Rohlman

Iowa running back Ivory Kelly-Martin carries the ball during Iowa’s game against Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 48-31.

Adam Hensley, Pregame Editor

BLOOMINGTON, IN – Ivory Kelly-Martin, Iowa’s starting tailback, has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest with Indiana.

Kelly-Martin was under concussion protocol this week after getting hurt against Minnesota last week. Head coach Kirk Ferentz wasn’t too optimistic on his status earlier on Tuesday, saying he wouldn’t know more on his status till close to game time.

Kelly-Martin has 50 carries on the year, totaling 181 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and 1 touchdown. He also has 3 receptions for 47 yards.

With Kelly-Martin out, Hawkeye fans can expect a heavy dose of Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young. Sargent leads the Hawkeyes with 4 rushing touchdowns this season (53 carries for 184 yards) and Young sits atop the yardage leader board, coming in at 286 yards on 54 carries (5.3-yard average). He’s also got a pair of touchdowns.

Noah Fant expected to play

Just like Kelly-Martin, tight end Noah Fant was in concussion protocol this week. Against the Gophers, he took a tight-end sweep, attempted to hurdle a defender, and was tackled hard to the turf, smacking his helmet to the ground.

Fant is expected to play against Indiana, but his time on the field will be limited.

This season, Fant leads the Hawkeyes in receptions (19) and touchdowns (15). He’s also got 196 receiving yards.

Iowa and Indiana kick things off at 11 a.m. Saturday.