Iowa quarterback Hank Brown is questionable for Friday's game at Washington because of a sprained throwing shoulder, according to the Big Ten availability report released Wednesday.
Coach Kirk Ferentz said on his radio show Wednesday that Brown likely will be medically cleared for the game but hasn't done much in practice. Jeremy Hecklinski, who competed with Brown for the starting job throughout the spring and summer, is taking the starter's reps, with Jimmy Sullivan as the backup.
Brown told reporters Tuesday he sprained his AC joint in the second half of Saturday's loss to Ohio State. Hecklinski replaced him and led a fourth-quarter touchdown drive, completing all five of his pass attempts.
"I think [Hank] will be cleared medically to play, but the issue is: Is it a smart thing to do, and is it the best thing to do for him and for our team?" Ferentz said on his radio show. "We have to be thinking about making sure that we're not putting him at risk and what's best for everybody. Right now, our mindset is that Heck's got it, and Jimmy Sullivan is on deck. If Hank can get to that point by Friday night, then great, but we can't count on that."
Brown has started Iowa's first five games and has 832 passing yards with five touchdowns and an interception.