Wisconsin linebacker Vince Biegel returns to practice

Another positive step for the return of a team captain and emotional leader.

After initially being reported as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Iowa Hawkeyes, Wisconsin outside linebacker Vince Biegel returned to practice on Tuesday.

UW officially announced his return to the field on Tuesday evening via their YouTube channel.

It’s still not confirmed if the redshirt senior will see action in Iowa City against the Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten), but it’s a welcomed sign for a team looking to reclaim the Heartland Trophy after a disappointing 10-6 loss last year at Camp Randall Stadium.

“As far as chances, we’ll see how the week goes,” head coach Paul Chryst said during his weekly Monday press conference. “Vince loves playing the game, and he really in all the right ways, cares about this team.”

Biegel’s missed Wisconsin’s last two games, both losses, against No. 3 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State after having surgery to repair a fractured right foot around three weeks ago. Wisconsin’s defense still played well in his absence, as it’s currently ranked ninth in the nation in scoring defense (allowing 15.2 points per game), 12th in total defense (311.3 yards per game) and 13th in rushing defense (106.2 yards per game).

In four games prior to his injury, Biegel had nine tackles, two for loss, and has also recorded one sack.

Wisconsin and Iowa square off on Saturday in Iowa City (11 a.m., ESPN).