Iowa will indeed be without its top returning receiver for the rest of spring ball.

Kirk Ferentz confirmed previous reports that Iowa receiver Matt VandeBerg suffered another foot injury that would sideline him until the summer.

VandeBerg was Iowa’s leading receiver before he suffered a season-ending injury in practice after the first month of the season. Fortunately, VandeBerg was granted a medical redshirt, which brought him back for the 2017 season.

According to Ferentz, VandeBerg was actually close to returning in the Outback Bowl.

Another foot injury, however, won’t allow him to develop a connection with Iowa’s new quarterback. The Hawkeyes also have a new offensive coordinator in Brian Ferentz, who has limited options to work with at the receiver position.

Without VandeBerg, the Hawkeyes top returning receiver for spring ball is Jerminic Smith, who had 23 catches for 314 yards as a sophomore.

Iowa’s spring game is set for April 7 in Des Moines.