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Gary Andersen met the media after Wednesday's practice, the last before Saturday's spring game ends this portion of the pre-preseason.
Most notably, several of the players most fans were probably most excited about seeing on Saturday won't be playing:
Out for #Badgers spring game: James White, Jeff Lewis (ankle), Ryan Groy, Jared Abbrederis, Ethan Hemer, Chris Borland and Dezmen Southward
— Bucky's 5th Quarter (@B5Q) April 17, 2013
That sure is a hefty list. Not that there's cause for concern -- everyone except Lewis is sitting out mainly for rest. Lewis suffered right foot and ankle and left arm injuries in Wednesday's practice, so he probably needs the time off anyway. He's expected to be ready for June workouts.
Remember, too, that nose tackle Beau Allen has sat out the spring with an ankle issue and outside linebacker Brendan Kelly has been nursing a hip injury. Both of them will almost assuredly sit Saturday out, drawing the MIA total to a cool nine big-name players.
Oh well. At least we have another team-rendition of "On, Wisconsin" to look forward to.
More spring game-related notes:
-- With the running back depth so thin, Andersen said Melvin Gordon will get his fair share of reps, along with fullback Derek Watt, walk-on tailback Derek Straus and possibly newly-convered safety Kyle Zuleger. Zuleger was primarily a reserve running back and special teamer for his first four years at UW.
-- Groy, Wisconsin's utility man along the offensive line this spring, sat out Wednesday's practice. Tyler Marz took his spot as the first-team left tackle.