Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell shared a less-than-positive update on the injury to starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke after the Badgers’ blowout loss to Alabama.
“I don’t think it looks real good for us, for him,” Fickell said about the senior quarterback’s status.
Related: Takeaways from Wisconsin’s demoralizing loss to No. 4 Alabama
Van Dyke’s knee injury occurred during the Badgers’ first offensive drive of the game against Alabama. He was injured while being tackled to the ground during a third-and-7 scramble, though it appeared he injured his knee before the defender drove him to the turf.
The Miami transfer quarterback spent little time in the sideline medical tent before being carted to the locker room, a bad sign for his long-term status.
That status has become clearer with every passing moment. Van Dyke first emerged from the locker room with crutches and his entire right leg in a brace during the second half. Fickell’s postgame comments only increased the likelihood that Van Dyke will be out indefinitely.
Tyler Van Dyke returns to the sideline on crutches for Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/R4fsiyEZKF
— Fox College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 14, 2024
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said QB Tyler Van Dyke will undergo an MRI on his leg/knee but added, “I don’t think it looks real good for us, for him.”
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 14, 2024
Backup quarterback Braedyn Locke went 13 of 26 for 125 yards and a touchdown in Van Dyke’s absence. He led the Badgers offense to only seven points against a tough Alabama defense, as mistakes and back-breaking turnovers defined much of the afternoon.
It is increasingly likely that Locke will be Wisconsin’s starter for the foreseeable future.
The Badgers enter their bye week before beginning Big Ten play on Sept. 26 with a road trip to No. 11 USC.
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