Important Iowa Football players’ season of injuries took a new turn on Wednesday. Cooper DeJean, a standout punt returner and cornerback, had a lower leg injury. The junior “will miss the remainder of the 2023 football season,” according to coach Kirk Ferentz, according to a press release from UI.

Ferentz remarked, “This is really heartbreaking for Cooper.” He is a true playmaker for our club and has played incredibly well. Cooper’s recuperation will extend into the upcoming year, and we will all be there to assist him.”

DeJean suffers a season-ending injury that also affects starting quarterback Cade McNamara and the team’s two best tight ends, Luke Lachey and Erick All Jr.

“Our team has faced numerous hurdles this season. I’m proud of the guts and determination with which our guys have responded. Our attention is on Saturday,” stated Ferentz.

DeJean has a good argument to be the Hawkeyes’ most valuable player of the year. Whether he’s settling under a punt or a team is tossing the ball his way, he’s unquestionably their most dangerous player.

According to UI, the Odebolt, Iowa graduate has played over 400 covering snaps this season without surrendering a score. This season, he is second to the Hawkeyes in interceptions (2), sixth in tackles (41) and leads the team in pass break-ups (5).

Late in the fourth quarter against Michigan State, DeJean scored a game-winning touchdown on special teams from 70 yards out. With an 11.5 punt return average, he leads the Big Ten and is ranked 13th nationally. He also leads the country in punt return touchdowns. In a contentious move against Minnesota, he lost one.

DeJean is also a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Jim Thorpe Award. He’s projected as a first-round pick in 2024 in a lot of the early mock NFL Drafts.

Prior to Saturday’s senior day game versus Illinois, this week’s depth chart lists redshirt freshman DeShaun Lee as DeJean’s backup. On the most recent two-deep, Jermari Harris is the other No. 1 cornerback, followed by Deavin Hilson. The position behind DeJean and Harris is one with little experience.