Billy Edwards Jr. Injury Update: Luke Fickell's huge risk backfires in terrible way

Billy Edwards Jr. came out to play his former team and it backfired.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell talks with injured quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) during the fourth quarter of the game Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Middle Tennessee 42-10.
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell talks with injured quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) during the fourth quarter of the game Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Middle Tennessee 42-10. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This decision to play and even start Billy Edwards Jr. against his former team was a risky one from the get-go. While it may have been Edwards pushing his way into the conversation as he wants to play and beat his former team, it was playing with fire as he clearly wasn't 100% healthy. His first drive was uneventful, but in the second drive, he left limping again.

There has been no official update on what his status is in the game, but he never came back in after he left gimpy. He was seen on the sidelines with trainers, and he was seen on the exercise bike, clearly trying to get back in the game.

Billy Edwards Jr. leaves Maryland game after re-aggravating his injury

Related: Wisconsin's pitiful start vs. Maryland has Badgers fans completely freaking out

However, wisdom may have prevailed for Luke Fickell. It's not worth the risk to have Billy Edwards ruin his entire season by pushing through an injury that isn't healed.

He originally injured himself in the game against Miami (OH). He left the game with a sprained knee and was listed as week-to-week. He missed both Middle Tennessee and Alabama while recovering. The smartest plan for his long-term health was to leave him out against Maryland so he could also use the BYE week to heal up.

However, his desire to play against his former team may have outweighed wisdom. The idea that Wisconsin was going to use multiple quarterbacks was not only silly but it didn't allow either quarterback to get into a rhythm or develop some confidence. Ultimately leading to an interception from Danny O'Neil.

There will be more updates about Billy Edwards Jr.'s health in the post-game press conference. For now, he's hanging on the sideline trying to get back into the game, but Luke Fickell may not let him.