Wisconsin Football Week One Injury Report Outlook

A quick look at how the Wisconsin injury report effects the Badgers for the season opening game against Utah State.

Wisconsin Football kicks off the 2017 season on Friday evening against Utah State.  The Badgers are fairly health heading into the game against the Aggies based on the injury report.

However, there are injuries worth monitoring that could influence the Wisconsin season.  So lets take a look at the initial injury report.

You’ll notice that there is nobody on the “questionable” tag.  The label is usually slapped on the most important players on your fantasy football roster just to frustrate your weekend.

That said, there’s four guys out for Friday’s game all on offense.  However, as Badger of Honor has written, Wisconsin has three guys injured for the entire 2017 season at the ILB position on defense.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football ILB Depth Chart Thins Again

But for Friday, sophomore fullback Jake Whalen is out for the game.  Whalen played in just four games in 2016.  As a result, it’s doubtful Whalen’s absence will impact the Wisconsin running game at all.  The Wisconsin depth chart indicates senior Austin Ramesh and junior Alec Ingold as the primary options at fullback.

Junior RB Taiwan Deal is also out for the season opener.  Deal played in only six games and ran 32 times for 165 yards.  His total was 5th on Wisconsin in rushing in 2016.  His best season in Madison was in 2015 when Deal ran for 503 yards on 117 carries in 10 games played.

Deal’s absence means Bradrick Shaw and Pitt transfer Chris James should carry the load.  Wisconsin may also get work for freshman Sam Brodner and Jonathan Taylor against Utah State.

Yet the biggest opening for snaps may be at WR with senior George Rushing out of the Friday lineup.  Rushing was 5th on Wisconsin in receiving last year with 12 catches for 136 yards.

Of note, the 3rd (Rob Wheelwright), 4th (Dare Ogunbowale), and 6th (Corey Clement) are not on the roster anymore.  In sum, there are plenty of snaps available for other WR to claim and Friday is a good opportunity to start.

Next: Wisconsin Opponent BYU Cougars Open Season with Win

Wisconsin Football’s first injury report for the first game of the 2017 season is acceptable on balance.  In general, Wisconsin looks pretty healthy for week one and isn’t missing any major contributors.  Hopefully the names included on the injury report do get healthy in short order.