Jacob Dunning to complete comeback on Saturday vs. KU

AMES — It has been over a calendar year since junior offensive lineman Jacob Dunning stepped onto a football field for in-game competition. After rupturing his patella tendon in 2014 vs. Iowa, Dunning will finally make his return to the field for the Cyclones during Saturday’s 11 a.m. kick vs. Kansas (on FOX Sports Net).

“He is cleared,” Paul Rhoads announced on Monday. “He will find his way back into our two deep. He practiced last week for the entire length of the practice and that was the first time that he has done that since that injury.”

Dunning’s injury was just one shot of many that Iowa State’s roster took during the 2014 campaign. As a sophomore, the Leander, Texas native was believed by many in the program to be a real key to the future on the offensive line, specifically at the tackle position. Had Dunning not been hurt, he likely would have started a handful of games last season due to the injury of Brock Dagel.

Dunning played in six games during his freshman campaign in 2013 and started vs. TCU.

It will likely be weeks before Dunning is anywhere near close to 100 percent but at a position where Iowa State needs depth, this return is certainly welcomed news for Paul Rhoads’ offensive coaching staff.