Senior outside linebacker Vince Biegel will be out 2-4 weeks with a foot injury, as reported by Jesse Temple of ESPN.com.
Biegel was reported to undergo surgery Thursday night, having a screw inserted into his cracked foot, Biegel’s father reported to Temple. Biegel’s foot has been bothering him all season, according to his father.
The Badgers have not confirmed the injury.
Click here for the Badgers’ latest injury report.
The starting linebacker’s absence will be an obvious cause of concern for Badgers fans and the Wisconsin defense. Biegel has been widely recognized as a team leader and the combination of him and Watt has led to consistent pressure on opposing offense’s quarterbacks. Wisconsin’s defense currently ranks seventh nationally in points allowed per game with 11.75.
There have already been adjustments in the linebacking corps earlier this season when inside linebacker T.J. Edwards was out with a foot injury and now with Chris Orr out for the season.
With Edwards is back in the starting lineup and trust in Ryan Connelly and Leon Jacobs, Jack Cichy may move to outside linebacker with Connelly or Jacobs starting at inside linebacker. Connelly replaced Edwards in the season opener against LSU.
The Badgers could also keep Cichy inside and have OLB Zack Baun or Garrett Dooley start. Baun and Dooley will definitely see more snaps with Biegel out either way.
#8 Wisconsin kicks off against #4 Michigan on Saturday at 2:30pm CT.