IOWA CITY — Quarterback Hank Brown is “100 percent fine” health-wise for Iowa’s game at Minnesota, coach Kirk Ferentz said Oct. 20.

After suffering an AC joint sprain in his right (throwing) shoulder against Ohio State, Brown was medically cleared for the Oct. 9 game at Washington, but did not play — with Ferentz saying, “It just wouldn’t have been smart.” Jeremy Hecklinski made his first career start and threw three touchdowns in Iowa’s 41-24 win.

While Brown is now “perfectly healthy” after Iowa’s bye week, according to Ferentz, the Hawkeyes will start Jeremy Hecklinski at quarterback against Minnesota.

“It’s not a coin toss, but it’s awfully close,” Ferentz said of the decision to start Hecklinski. “You can make arguments either way that make sense. We just gave it thought and decided that was the best thing at this time to do.”

Running back L.J. Phillips Jr. said he tweaked his previously injured ankle vs. Washington, but the bye week was beneficial for his health and he feels "great." Phillips missed time earlier this season after suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. Fortunately, the reaggravation against Washington wasn’t severe, and Phillips said he expects to play at Minnesota.

Ferentz reiterated that safety Tyler Brown “is going to be out for a while." Brown has appeared in only two of Iowa’s six games due to injury. Iowa has started multiple players at strong safety in Brown’s absence. Anthony Hawkins started three of Iowa’s four games without Brown. But Xavier Styles got the nod against Washington.