Wisconsin Football: Injury Report vs. Michigan Wolverines

DE Isaiahh Loudermilk

Kayden Lyles and Matt Henningsen will be the starters at defensive end this weekend with the injury to Loudermilk.  Both players have shown flashes but have failed to play consistently throughout an entire game.  One thing is for certain, neither Lyles or Henningsen have been able to produce the type of pass rush that Loudermilk is capable of showing.  Both seem much more comfortable holding the point of attack and stopping the run rather than trying to get after the quarterback.

Leonhard will be forced to become creative to get after Shea Patterson.  I expect Leonhard to dial up many blitzes Saturday night, utilizing the versatility of T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly to make plays in the backfield.

Loudermilk’s absence will definitely be missed, especially with his playmaking ability.  Michigan’s offensive line is one of their few weaknesses and could have been potentially been exposed with the use of Loudermilk. It will be all hands on deck along the defensive line this weekend.

RB Bradrick Shaw

The presence of Bradrick Shaw again being listed as questionable earlier in the week has to be encouraging at least.  Although he will be inactive for the Michigan game, it is nice to hear that Shaw is participating more in practice.  The more available running backs the offense has the better.  The Big Ten is an extremely physical league, teams need three or four backs that can help handle the load of running the ball in November.

I still believe that Shaw has great potential within the Wisconsin offense.  He has a great combination of strength and quickness that can benefit this team.  He might not have the explosive ability of Taylor, but Shaw can still make plays both inside and outside the tackles.  Shaw is an experienced back as well, he had some big-time carries as a freshman as well as contributing to last year’s rushing attack.  The quicker Shaw can get back the better.