Audi Crooks could be back this week after head injury against Iowa, won’t play Sunday but her return timeline will shock Iowa State fans

Audi Crooks could make her return to action this week for Iowa State after suffering a head injury against Iowa, though she’ll sit out Sunday’s game against Kansas State. The leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball is progressing through return-to-play protocol and coach Bill Fennelly expressed optimism about her availability soon.

How the Injury Happened During the Iowa Victory

Crooks sustained her head injury during Wednesday’s 74-69 win against the No. 12 Hawkeyes at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The 20-year-old center dominated that game with 30 points and 10 rebounds before the collision occurred. Coach Bill Fennelly confirmed the incident happened but said Iowa State’s medical staff took the cautious approach despite Crooks’ eagerness to return immediately.

“She got hit in the head in the Iowa game,” Fennelly explained after the Cyclones’ win over Northern Iowa. “Our medical staff is phenomenal. You can’t take any chances with anyone.” The coach noted that Crooks was frustrated about sitting out but emphasized safety comes first in head injury situations.

Return-to-Play Protocol Progressing Early This Week

Crooks is currently in return-to-play protocol, the standard medical process for athletes recovering from head injuries in college sports. It requires daily improvement and clearance from medical professionals before athletes can resume competition. Iowa State’s medical team has set strict guidelines that Crooks must satisfy step-by-step before returning to the court.

Fennelly expressed cautious optimism about her status. “Every day is different,” he said. “You’ve got to do this. Every day they have to show improvement. So we’ll probably know by the end of the week. But hopefully that she’ll be back.” The coach emphasized that clearing the protocol by week’s end would give Crooks a realistic shot at playing in Iowa State’s Big 12 conference opener.

Sunday’s Game Against Kansas and Next Week’s Outlook

Opponent	Date	Crooks Status
Kansas (9-2)	Sunday, December 21	Questionable
Conference opener	Big 12 play begins	Decision by Friday

Iowa State won’t play again until December 21 when the Cyclones face unranked Kansas (9-2 record) in their Big 12 Conference opener. Finals week at Iowa State means the team has time to prepare without game pressure. This break provides Crooks with several days to progress through her protocol and gives medical staff a clear window to evaluate her readiness before conference play begins.

The timing works in Iowa State’s favor—if Crooks clears protocol by Friday, she could potentially play against Kansas. However, Fennelly made clear that the medical team will make the final decision, not the player or coaching staff.

How Iowa State Managed Without Crooks Against Northern Iowa

Alisa Williams stepped up significantly in Crooks’ absence, scoring 11 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance while adding five rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes off the bench. The former LSU transfer proved she could handle expanded responsibility when needed for the Cyclones. Lilly Taulelei also contributed, logging nearly 16 minutes with 8 points and 2 rebounds in Iowa State’s dominant 81-53 victory.

Meanwhile, Addy Brown delivered a season-high 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 10 Iowa State easily past Northern Iowa. Brown’s strong performance showed the Cyclones’ depth, but getting Crooks back would significantly boost their Big 12 championship aspirations. The team proved capable of winning without her, but the offense runs dramatically different with the nation’s leading scorer sidelined.

Can Iowa State’s Star Center Make It Back for Conference Play?

Everything suggests Crooks could be ready for the Kansas matchup next Sunday, assuming her protocol progression continues smoothly. The five-day window from Monday through Friday gives her adequate time to complete the necessary steps under Iowa State’s medical supervision. Head coach Fennelly’s confident tone about her returning early this week provides hope for Cyclones fans eager to see their star back on the court.

However, head injuries remain unpredictable, and one setback in her recovery process could delay her return further. Fennelly made absolutely clear that Iowa State won’t rush Crooks back, even with conference play beginning. The stakes are too high and the potential long-term consequences of premature return too serious to risk for one game. If Crooks isn’t fully cleared by game day, the Cyclones will rely on their proven depth to face Kansas without their dominant inside presence.

“She’s still mad at me because we didn’t play her but we’re not doing that.”

— Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Sources

• ESPN – Iowa State women’s basketball injury updates and game coverage
• Des Moines Register – Coach Fennelly interviews and detailed injury information
• Big 12 Conference – Game highlights and official scheduling information