Wisconsin football: T.J. Watt, Austin Ramesh among Badgers listed as questionable

MADISON — Another week, another linebacker on the “list.”

No. 8 Wisconsin announced outside linebacker T.J. Watt, along with four other players, are questionable on its Monday injury report leading up to Saturday’s game at Northwestern.

Watt injured his left shoulder in Saturday’s 23-17 overtime win against previously undefeated Nebraska , though he returned later in the game. There’s still plenty of time between now and Saturday, but if the redshirt junior is not able to go, the defense would lose its leader in sacks (seven) and tackles for loss (9.5). Watt is currently third on the team in tackles with 42.

Redshirt junior Garret Dooley has played well this season, recording 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He, along with redshirt freshman Zack Baun, have stepped up—both rotating in with Watt and redshirt senior Vince Biegel, and also when Biegel was out for two games with a fractured foot.

Also on the list is fullback Austin Ramesh (right shoulder). He suffered the injury last Saturday but, unlike Watt, did not return.. Ramesh has been versatile in his role on the Wisconsin offense, rushing for two touchdowns while being steady as a lead blocker.

Right tackle Jacob Maxwell is still questionable with a right shoulder injury. The Greendale, Wis., native did not play against the Huskers, which allowed redshirt freshman David Edwards to make his first career start against a top-10 team.

Wisconsin will be without the services of sophomore nose guard Olive Sagapolu, who is again out this week with his right arm ailment. Junior Conor Sheehy is listed as the No. 1 nose guard on Wisconsin’s depth chart this week, with true freshman Garrett Rand listed as No. 2. Both played well in Sagapolu’s absence.

Here’s the full injury list for Wisconsin:

Questionable:

• ILB Griffin Grady (left shoulder)
• CB Natrell Jamerson (left leg)
• OL Jacob Maxwell (right shoulder)
• FB Austin Ramesh (right shoulder)
• OLB T.J. Watt (left shoulder)

Out:

• NT Olive Sagapolu (right arm)

Out for season:

• ILB Jack Cichy (left shoulder)
• K Rafael Gagalinone (back)
• ILB Chris Orr (right knee)