Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football: Injury Report vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

By Steven Tondi

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Malik Rosier #12 of the Miami Hurricanes is stopped by Andrew Van Ginkel #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Malik Rosier #12 of the Miami Hurricanes is stopped by Andrew Van Ginkel #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the fourth quarter of the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football - Bradrick Shaw
Wisconsin Football - Bradrick Shaw /

TE Zander Neuville

Let’s just get the bad news out of the way first.  Senior tight end Zander Neuville will miss the rest of the season.  According to Paul Chryst, Neuville re-injured his left leg in practice this week.  This is devastating news that could have a tremendous impact on the rest of the season.  Neuville means so much to the Wisconsin running game that many people are not aware of.

He is called upon play after play to be the lead blocker for Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor.  His dependable and selfless play was a key factor in the success of last year’s and this year’s rushing attack.  When he was injured against BYU, the running game definitely suffered.  Neuville’s presence will be missed.

Junior Kyle Penniston and redshirt freshman Jake Ferguson will now have to provide what Neuville has over his career.  There will likely be a tight end by committee approach in the takeover of Neuville’s blocking contributions.

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TE Luke Benzschawel

With the news that Zander Neuville will be missing the rest of the season, Benzschawel’s injury becomes much more significant for Saturday and for the rest of the season.  Benzschawel will now be expected to be Wisconsin’s third option at tight end.  Benzschawel had a solid performance against Western Kentucky, clearing the path for many Taylor and Taiwan Deal runs before he was forced to leave the game with his leg injury.

If Benzschawel returns this Saturday it would be a lift for the running game.  Benzschawel is a solid blocker and could embrace the role Neuville has been playing for the last couple of seasons.

Even if Benzschawel is healthy, I expect Paul Chryst to implement the same strategy he utilized against Iowa.  He will run plays in the “jumbo” set that featured extra offensive lineman who lined up as tight ends.  Chryst will have to be creative if he is only down to two healthy tight ends.  Jake Ferguson and Kyle Penniston will have to take the reins as the premier tight ends for the offense.

RB Bradrick Shaw

The presence of Bradrick Shaw being listed questionable is probably the only good news from this week’s injury report.  Shaw has been rehabbing the ACL injury he suffered last year and appears to be close to returning to the field.

Running backs coach John Settle has continued to stress the importance of not rushing Shaw back too quickly, a strategy I wholeheartedly agree with.  Taiwan Deal is looking like a great compliment to Taylor, and Garrett Groshek and Chris James are quality options on third down and in the passing game.

Shaw has the ability and physical tools to be an excellent running back at Wisconsin.  His return could give the Wisconsin running attack fresh legs and a great combination of speed and power from an experienced back who will be determined to produce.