ESPN senior writer Pete Thamel confirmed the news that Wisconsin Badgers fans were hoping to hear: starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.’s knee injury, sustained in the second quarter of Thursday’s win over Miami (Ohio), is not expected to keep him out long-term.
Thamel’s report confirms that of 247Sports’ Chris Hummer, who wrote earlier Friday that ‘there’s optimism around Wisconsin that QB Billy Edwards did not suffer a long-term injury’ and ‘there’s hope he could be back for Alabama.’ Specifically, Thamel reported the following:
“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.”
The positive news is welcome for a Wisconsin program that has dealt with significant injuries to its starting quarterback during each of the last two seasons. Like Tanner Mordecai in 2023 and Tyler Van Dyke in 2024, Edwards transferred to the program for his final year of eligibility, looking to deliver a strong year before making the jump to the professional ranks. Mordecai and Van Dyke combined to play in just 13 games over those two seasons. That number drops even further when only full games, start-to-finish, are considered.
Edwards completed six of 13 pass attempts for 68 yards in limited action against the RedHawks. Wisconsin struggled to create separation against the MAC opponent during that time, and led just 3-0 at halftime. Backup Danny O’Neil played well in relief, especially after the halftime break. He finished with 120 passing yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).
A dominant effort from the Badger defense defined the victory. It held Miami (Ohio) to just 117 total yards, 34 rushing yards (1.5 yards per carry) and seven first downs.
Wisconsin is now 1-0 entering a Week 2 matchup against Middle Tennessee State. O’Neil will likely start the contest, according to Hummer. The Badgers‘ Week 3 trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, could be the next time we see Edwards under center.
Stay tuned later this week for the Wisconsin program to officially confirm Edwards’ status.
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