The Iowa Hawkeye Radio Network announced that wide receiver Brandon Smith has been ruled out against Northwestern today. Smith has entered concussion protocol and there's been no update about his status.

Smith took a hard shot to the head last week against Purdue and looked dizzy getting up. There were a number of complaints from the Iowa sidelines in hopes that the referees would review the play for targeting. Smith would play the rest of the game but didn't look right.

He's been a key guy for the Iowa receiving core. After struggling against Northern Illinois to begin the season, Smith came up big in the Iowa State game. His 30-yard catch helped set up the Hawkeyes for their only touchdown of the day.

Smith has 20 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown this season. It will be worth checking out if true freshman Tyrone Tracy gets more snaps at wide receiver today. Tracy has only appeared in two games this season and can appear in four total games without burning his redshirt.

Earlier this week, Ferentz said that Tracy would play in four games, but he ruled out the idea of burning his redshirt this season. Look for Tracy to be in the mix with Kyle Groeneweg, Nick Easley, and Max Cooper.

Cooper has missed the last several weeks with an injury but was out warming up with the team today.