Iowa State football: Paul Rhoads updates on Sam Richardson injury, meets with offensive staff

August 31, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Sam Richardson (12) is sacked by Northern Iowa Panthers linebacker Sam Tim (41) during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Northern Iowa beat Iowa State 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA Today Sports

Two of the hottest topics swarming around the Iowa State football team are how serious quarterback Sam Richardson’s ankle injury is and what’s going on with the play calling. Head coach Paul Rhoads met with the media last night to give the answers.

Ames Tribune sports editor Bobby La Gesse posted a video of the Rhoads interview last night. As we saw in the game against Iowa, Richardson moved around well for having a sprained ankle. The zone-read option was clearly affected, but his passes were better than the opener. Rhoads confirmed that he’s been feeling better in the past week.

“His is low, it’s not a high ankle sprain,” Rhoads said. “He’s pushing off it pretty good and it feels a lot better than it did a week ago. It’s one of the things you have to go on.”

Richardson was in a walking boot following the loss to Northern Iowa and the injury still lingers.

As far as the offense goes, the head coach definitely sees what people are criticizing. He gave his own opinions to the entire staff.

“I actually met with the whole offensive staff on Monday morning,” Rhoads said. “We watched the entire game, play-by-play, and I gave a brief commentary on every single play. The good, bad, and tweaks that we would like to see be made.”

Rhoads also said they are hopeful that defensive tackle Rodney Coe would be back by the end of the week. Coe suffered a shoulder injury in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes.