It figures- the Badgers entered fall camp relatively healthy, but after only a few practices injuries are piling up. The Badgers got some unfortunate news yesterday, as wide receiver Manassah Garner is expected to miss a month with a hernia injury. Garner will probably miss the season opener against UNLV, and he was projected to be the Badgers' third option at receiver, so some younger players will need to step up while Garner is recovering. Look for Kenzel Doe, Jeff Duckworth, Isaiah Williams, and Jordan Fredrick to receive extra snaps during the rest of camp.
In other injury news, both Trotter brothers are sill out with hamstring injuries (linebacker Marcus is out indefinitely, and free safety Michael is just listed as "out.") Several other players did not practice yesterday: strong safety Dezmen Southward was out with an ankle injury, linebacker A.J. Fenton is still sidelined with a hamstring injury, and defensive end David Gilbert has knee tendonitis. However according to Jeff Potrykus, Bret Bielema stressed to his team that injuries can provide opportunities to younger players.
You can check out Madison.com's full reports from the Badgers' two practices here (Monday), and here (Tuesday.) It sounds as though Wilson has a much better handle on the offense thus far than people anticipated, and that he's got a good connection so far with senior receiver Nick Toon.
Also, Bret Bielema said if the season started today, Kyle French would handle kickoffs and field goals. Senior kicker Philip Welch has a leg injury, so this is another example of injuries giving younger players opportunities.
Jeff Potrykus would like to remind you that Russell Wilson has been good so far in camp. As if you hadn't heard that already.
Right tackle Josh Oglesby said he is feeling close to 100 percent, after undergoing a sixth knee surgery last year. A good and healthy season on the right side for Oglesby would go a long way to help the Badgers defend their Big Ten title.
Our friends at Off Tackle Empire asked which team won the Big Ten's offseason? I think Badger fans will be happy with the result. (But seriously, would you expect anything else this year?)
The Big Ten Network made its first bus tour stop in Madison, and Mike Lucas of UWBadgers.com writes that analyst Gerry DiNardo liked what he saw during the visit.
ESPN.com takes a look "Inside the Top 25" by analyzing your very own Wisconsin Badgers.
Tom Mulhern writes that new linebackers coach Dave Huxtable's life got a little easier when Russell Wilson transferred to Wisconsin. Huxtable only has to worry about Wilson in practice now, instead of on Saturdays.
If you ever found yourself wishing for a way to get up close with the Badgers' fall practices, boy have I got good news for you! UWBadgers.com has released part one of their new series "The Camp," which takes the viewer deeper into the Wisconsin football program. Check it out!
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