It looked so awful in the moment, but there is more than a glimmer of hope that Billy Edwards Jr. will be returning to the Wisconsin Badgers sooner rather than later. CBS Sports' Chris Hummer and Richard Johnson reported on Friday afternoon that "Final word on the injury is expected [to be] in 24-48 hours. But there's hope he could be back for Alabama." That huge road game will be on Sept. 13.
While Danny O'Neil played decently down the stretch for Wisconsin in Thursday's home victory over the Miami RedHawks, that was still against a Group of Five opponent working in its new quarterback. O'Neil started the bulk of San Diego State's games last season, but he only went 3-8 in those games. For Wisconsin to have a prayer against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the Badgers will need Edwards to play.
With Wisconsin getting another manageable game in the non-conference at home in Week 2 vs. the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, it does not serve head coach Luke Fickell to play Edwards if he is even the slightest degree of banged up. O'Neil should be able to lead the Badgers to victory at home over the Blue Raiders, should he get all of the first-team reps in practice. This is how you build up depth.
Frankly, Fickell should keep it as close to the vest as possible regarding Edwards' status vs. Alabama.
There's optimism around Wisconsin that QB Billy Edwards did not suffer a long-term injury Thursday, sources tell @RJ_cfb and I for @CBSSportsCFB.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) August 29, 2025
Final word on the injury is expected in 24-48 hours. But there's hope he could be back for Alabama. https://t.co/wuYAf7mQID pic.twitter.com/mpzpYuJ3YW
ESPN's Pete Thamel later reported it's a knee sprain for Edwards, as he will be listed as week-to-week. This is good news all around for the Badgers and Fickell. While no timetable to return has been listed, this is the absolute best-case scenario for Edwards.
Sources: Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards had a clean MRI today and his status is week-to-week, which eliminated the worst fears after leaving the opener with a non-contact injury. He sprained his knee against Miami University and a precise timetable for return isn’t known. pic.twitter.com/nRG5hZrhZs
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 29, 2025
Billy Edwards Jr.'s injury status will help keep Wisconsin's season alive
The last thing Wisconsin would have wanted heading into Week 2 is to have Edwards out for the season. Having him down for the count would have severely limited the Badgers' upward trajectory for the campaign. With Edwards under center, that leaves open the possibility of the Badgers being far more than just a bowl-caliber team. If it were only O'Neil the rest of the way, it may be the ceiling.
Furthermore, having Edwards listed as week-to-week will take some pressure off Fickell heading into his September slate of games. He really needs to have a strong year leading the Badgers to get a fourth. Fickell has been quick to point out quarterback injuries for his team's lackluster performances of late, but is he not the head coach who led Cincinnati to New Year's Six bowls and into the playoff?
Again, Wisconsin should go full-steam ahead with O'Neil as the Week 2 starter vs. Middle Tennessee. He will have a few extra days to prepare. Keep in mind that he started 11 games at the Group of Five level last year for San Diego State. Derek Mason may be a savvy defensive mind, but Wisconsin will be a massive favorite to get it done at home vs. the Blue Raiders next week.
For now, there is no need to rush Edwards back any earlier than the Week 3 road date at Alabama.