Wisconsin releases week 5 injury report for contest vs. Illinois

Eight players are ruled out, and four others are listed as out for the season in Wisconsin’s injury report for week 5 vs. Illinois:

Madison, Wis. — On Monday, the University of Wisconsin released its official injury report ahead of its week five matchup vs. the Illinois Fighting Illini. 

The unranked Wisconsin Badgers (2-2) already have seven players ruled out due to injury against Illinois (3-1) and four others listed as out for the season. 

Wisconsin’s secondary has already gone without its No. 1 cornerback Alexander Smith for the season’s first four games. Now, it appears he will miss a fifth consecutive game, raising questions about his injury’s severity and long-term health.

Last week, UW played without its starting tackles, Jack Nelson and Riely Mahlman, with Logan Brown and Trey Wedig filling in, respectively. Their status for this week is ultimately unknown, but there is optimism that Nelson will start at left tackle on Saturday.  

UW will need several key players back in the lineup for Bret Bielema’s return to Camp Randall Stadium this weekend. 

Here is a look at Wisconsin football’s injury report for Week 5: