Is J.R. Singleton playing today? Iowa State defensive lineman's availability for Week 13 explored
Iowa State looks to improve on its 8-2 season (5-2 in Big 12) Saturday at Utah. That said, defensive lineman J.R. Singleton is uncertain for the game as game time approaches. Singleton has been recovering from a left arm injury sustained in the Cyclones' previous game against Cincinnati.
J.R. Singleton injury update
A senior defensive lineman for the Cyclones, Singleton is a 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle. A part-time starter over the past two seasons, Singleton has stepped into a larger role this season for Iowa State. Singleton has 27 tackles and leads the team with four QB sacks this season. His 4.5 tackles for loss is third on the squad.
Singleton was injured last week against Cincinnati and coach Matt Campbell was non-committal in his recent media appearance as to Singleton's status. "It's up in the air" was Campbell's pronouncement earlier this week.
What happened to J.R. Singleton?
Singleton injured his left arm in the second quarter of last week's win over Cincinnati. The injury was serious enough that Singleton immediately left the field and returned later in the game in street clothes. Campbell admitted that he feared that the injury was season-ending, but things seemed to have taken a slightly more optimistic tone, as Campbell confirmed that the injury is not season-ending.
Given the recent struggles of the Cyclones, an injury was ill-timed. Iowa State started the season 7-0, but lost consecutive games ahead of last week's win over Cincinnati. Singleton has been one of the most pivotal players on an ISU defense that has allowed just 18.6 points per game.
When will J.R. Singleton return for Iowa State?
Singleton may take the field against Utah. That said, the Utes are just 4-6. If Singleton's return is a close matter, it might make more sense for him to return next weekend, November 30th, for the game with 7-3 Kansas State. The Cyclones would have more to play for in that battle, and the Wildcats are generally regarded as a more significant opponent.
Unless BYU and/or Colorado loses, ISU doesn't have a path to the Big 12 title game, even if the Cyclones win out. If the Cyclones are deeply concerned about Singleton's prognosis, it's reasonable to expect that coaches could sideline him until the Big 12 title game on December 7th. If Iowa State fails to reach that game, then a few more weeks would pass before their bowl game.
Ultimately, as his coach said, Singleton's return is simply "up in the air."
Do you think Singleton will play against Utah? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!