Wisconsin officially announced during halftime against No. 4 Alabama that starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke would not return to the game, but no announcement on the severity of the injury was disclosed.
Fans got a better understanding of the injury when they saw Van Dyke back on the Wisconsin sideline in street clothes and on crutches with a big knee brace on his right knee.
Tyler Van Dyke returns to the sideline on crutches for Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/R4fsiyEZKF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 14, 2024
Van Dyke was rolling in the first drive against Alabama as he was a perfect 5-for-5 on the day for 16 yards. During that drive, Van dyke scrambled to the sideline and as he was tackled to the ground, his knee buckled under him. Van Dyke remained on the ground as the medical staff attended to him.
The medical staff was able to get him up and over to the medical tent where they would start their initial examination.
Shortly after entering the tent, Van Dyke came out, stumbled to the ground, and was visibly upset with his head in his hands. At that time, fans knew it was something serious, Van Dyke then got on the cart and was carted to the locker room for further examination and wasn't seen for the rest of the half.
Tyler Van Dyke is being looked at on the sideline after this hit pic.twitter.com/vxMl1OYpSM
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 14, 2024
Understandable, Wisconsin fans were heartbroken with the injury, but seeing Van Dyke on crutches just made matters worse.
Wisconsin keeps this game close with Tyler Van Dyke and would have a chance to win.
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) September 14, 2024
The whole game changed cuz Bama felt no pressure defensively.
Van Dyke was perfect on the day before going down with the injury. He was moving the ball well and putting pressure on the Alabama defense.
I feel terrible for, Tyler Van Dyke https://t.co/CG6uXK0WD0
— David Zaldivar (@DavidZebra900) September 14, 2024
No one ever wants to see someone get injured, but watching them come back out on crutches not putting any weight on the injured knee just tugs at the heart strings.
Everyone please join me in praying for Tyler Van Dyke
— Thad Coker🐺 (@thadcoker) September 14, 2024
The only thing fans can do is say a pray for a speedy recovery and that it isn't as serious as it looks.
Absolutely hate seeing Tyler Van Dyke on crutches. Prayers up for him
— lacey alexander (@LaceAlayna) September 14, 2024
Tyler Van Dyke is gonna out for the rest of the season and Alabama just scored another touchdown.
— Alexrocks (@Alexrocks4u) September 14, 2024
Alabama Leads 28-3.
This one's gonna be out of reach for sure.
With the way the injury looks and already having a brace on with crutches, things don't look good for Van Dyke. The game is also still 28-10 and could be out of reach, but the game isn't over yet.
Tyler Van Dyke deserved better and it's hard not to feel for the kid
— Scary Alvarez (@barryisthedon) September 14, 2024
Any sort of injury is tough for any player, but one that could take someone out for the rest of the season so early in the season is so tough.