Iowa RB Jordan Canzeri returns to depth chart vs. Minnesota

The Iowa Hawkeyes came in 8th in the most recent CFB playoff poll, which at this point is better than everyone could have expected at this point, and things just got even better for them on the injury front.

Running back Jordan Canzeri, the team’s leading rusher and former Big Ten offensive player of the week, has officially returned to the team’s depth chart since being injured against Northwester about four weeks ago.

Canzeri’s return comes at a time when the Hawkeyes have really started to find a groove offensively. Sophomore running back Akrum Wadley is having a whale of a season in just the last three games, racking up 391 yards and six touchdowns in that time.

Canzeri and Wadley were the Big Ten offensive player of the week in consecutive weeks, but the Hawkeyes have gotten a lot of other guys in the mix since their star senior went down. LeShun Daniels also returned to the lineup after having been injured this season, and Derrick Mitchell Jr. — a converted receiver — has come in and provided a boost as well.

Combined the Hawkeyes have rushed for 25 touchdowns this season from five different players. Kirk Ferentz has been more aggressive this season, but the Hawkeyes have made far fewer mistakes than in recent years. They are taking care of the football, and heading into a huge game against Minnesota this week at home, they are getting back (albeit, likely on a limited basis) their offensive MVP this season.

Canzeri might not even have to come in and play a ton if Wadley and Daniels are able to continue to hold down the fort, but perhaps he can provide a little bit and get some reps on his way back for what is hopefully an undefeated run for Iowa going into their final regular season game against Nebraska, which will be a humongous road game to cap off the season.