[WATCH] Iowa Star Defensive Back Injures Knee, Not Available Saturday

During the second quarter of No. 3 Iowa's 23-20 victory over No. 4 Penn State last Saturday, Riley Moss came up with yet another takeaway for the Hawkeye defense.

The 6'1, Ankeny, Iowa native trailed Nittany Lion wide receiver Jahan Dotson on a 45-yard bomb from quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson, where he would then track the ball and make the diving catch to force his nation-leading fourth interception of the year. 

Moss then hopped up off the ground as Kinnick Stadium exploded in cheers, spun around, starting trotting towards his teammates to celebrate, and promptly fell to the ground grabbing his left knee.

Celebration and excitement quickly turned to fear and anxiety. Non-contact injuries generally don't bode well for the player in question.

The cornerback did not return and was replaced by junior Terry Roberts for the remainder of the contest.

Moss, who is one of the most important pieces to an Iowa defense that currently ranks fourth in the country in points allowed with 13 per game, is now not listed on the depth chart ahead of the Hawks' matchup with Purdue University this coming Saturday.

Roberts is listed in his place. The Erie, Pennsylvania native has put together nine tackles, one interception, and broken up two passes in a backup role through six games in 2021. Placed behind Roberts on the depth chart is former Northern Iowa defensive back and grad-transfer, Xavior Williams.

While any level of concern is valid, head coach Kirk Ferentz made sure to emphasize following the game that he was "optimistic" Moss' injury was not overly severe.

An update on the situation came from Scott Dochterman -- Iowa football beat writer for The Athletic -- via Twitter.

Along with the interceptions, Moss is fifth in tackles for the Hawkeyes with 23. He also has three pass-breakups, two tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery.

Monte Pottebaum, junior fullback from Larchwood, Iowa, also went down in the second half and exited the contest. Unlike Moss, he is listed to be the starter this coming week.