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Chikwe Obasih Injured During Wisconsin Football Practice

By Noah Seligman

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 01: Isaiahh Loudermilk (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 01: Isaiahh Loudermilk (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football senior DE Chikwe Obasih injured his knee in practice on Wednesday.  The severity is yet to be determined.

The Wisconsin Badgers capacity to weather injuries to the front seven is going to be tested once again.  This time, senior DE Chikwe Obasih is the latest player on the injury report.

Jim Loenhard and staff will have to figure out how to allocate Obasih’s snaps in his absence, however long that may be.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Obasih injured his knee in practice.  The Journal Sentinel reported on the latest setback but his long-term status is unknown.

"According to a source, veteran defensive end Chikwe Obasih suffered a knee injury Wednesday morning during practice.He isn’t expected to play Saturday against visiting Florida Atlantic and his status beyond that is to be determined.The injury does not appear to be season-ending, however."

Obasih is a 6-foot-3-inch 275 pound senior from Brookfield, Wisconsin.  He has been remarkably durable during his time in Madison.  Obasih played in all 41 possible games starting 31 of them in his three previous seasons with the Badgers.

In 2016, Obasih was 15th on the Badgers in tackles with 22 total.  He added 1.5 sacks, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery.  Of note, linebackers and defensive backs ranked 1st through 12th in total tackles.

Next: Week One Big Ten East Recap

Thus, the Wisconsin scheme is not predicated on the defensive line players padding the stats.  Their job is to create chaos up front collapsing the pocket and disrupting the offensive timing.  That enables linebackers to clean up the ball carrier.

With Obasih out for some period of time, the Badgers will rely on its depth.  Seniors Connor Sheehy and Alec James are the most obvious names to step up.  Sophomore Garrett Rand will likely see more snaps.

But keep an eye on highly touted redshift freshman Isaiahh Loudermilk.  He dominated the UW Spring Game.  Loudermilk also showed good strong hands and a high motor in getting his first collegiate sack against Utah State last Friday.  At 6-feet-7-inches and 306 pounds he projects best as a DE.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football Breakout Candidate Garrett Rand

Wisconsin’s defense is already facing attrition at LB with Jack Cichy and Zach Baun out for the season.  Obasih is yet another name on the injury list.