Wisconsin football began training camp today at UW-Platteville in advance of the 2023 season.
The fall roster almost never brings the headline news that we see in the spring with notable position and weight changes. But there is a big note today: neither tight end Clay Cundiff or Jack Eschenbach are listed on the roster.
Related: Wisconsin football 2023 depth chart projection: Offense, Defense
The two players figured to play a prominent role in Wisconsin’s offense this season, as tight end is likely the team’s most shallow group. It now leaves Jack Pugh and Hayden Rucci as two primary contributors at the position.
Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo discussed Cundiff’s situation at local media day this week, with the tight end still working his way back from a season-ending injury from last season:
Phil Longo on Clay Cundiff, who's coming off another season ending injury:
"I don't know what the plan is now. He hasn't been in any practices in the spring. That's a wait and see situation.
"He did some really nice things last year. He's very talented. I don't have much on him…
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 1, 2023
This seems to be an ongoing situation, making it tough to predict. If Cundiff and Eschenbach are both no longer with the program, Wisconsin will badly need some help at the position. If this is just a minor roadblock due to injury, we’ll see if the two veteran players can make it back on the field when the season begins.
UPDATE: The Athletic’s Jesse Temple reported both Cundiff and Eschenbach ‘left the program voluntarily.’
Wisconsin tight ends Clay Cundiff and Jack Eschenbach are not on the fall camp roster and have "left the program voluntarily," according to a school official.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) August 2, 2023