On Tuesday, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed that quarterback Ricky Stanzi had surgery on his injured ankle and is now "very doubtful" for the team's final two games, but he did not rule out a possible return in time for their bowl game. 

Ferentz says that he believes Stanzi has a good chance to play in a bowl game.

A Des Moines radio station first reported Monday that Stanzi had surgery on his injured right ankle and would be out the remainder of the season.

1700am The Champ said Stanzi's surgery will keep him on the sidelines for at least the final two regular season games, beginning Saturday when Iowa visits Ohio State.

Stanzi's father told HawkeyeReport.com that his son is hoping to make it back in time to play for the Hawkeyes in a bowl game.

In the meantime, redshirt freshman James Vandenberg will takeover the play-calling duties, beginning with this Saturday's game at No. 10 Ohio State, his first ever start. Vandenberg struggled in relief of Stanzi in Iowa loss last Saturday, completing just 33% of his passes and throwing an INT in his first attempt.

X-rays came back negative on Hawkeyes quarterback Ricky Stanzi’s ankle; the injury is a high ankle sprain. Adam Jacobi of our own Black Heart Gold Pants believes he’ll be out for the rest of the season.

Stanzi is likely out for the rest of the regular season with a high ankle sprain, so it’s time for the James Vandenberg-John Wienke deathfight to begin.

There’s a good possibility, though, that Stanzi will be ready for whichever bowl game Iowa gains entrance to.

Further concrete information on Stanzi’s injury are not available just yet. To tide you over, check out some reactions from our Hawkeyes blog, Black Heart Gold Pants. They seem pretty happy (sarcasm?) over the advent of “Vandenball.”

Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi was tackled in his own end zone early in the second quarter of the Hawkeyes' game against Northwestern. The ball popped loose before Stanzi hit the ground, and Northwestern recovered for a touchdown.

Stanzi stayed on the ground for a few moments after the tackle, which appeared to twist one of his legs. He eventually limped off the field under his own power.

James Vandenberg, a redshirt freshman, will take his place. Stanzi is "questionable" to return. Stay tuned for updates.