MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers announced Thursday that junior starting kicker Rafael Gaglianone will miss the rest of the 2016 season with a back injury.
Gaglianone underwent surgery today after missing Wisconsin’s game against Michigan State which they won 30-6 on the road. UW reported that his condition appeared to improve on Sunday but since then worsened, resulting in the need for surgery.
“You’re disappointed for Rafael because of all the work he’s put in and how well he was playing football,” head coach Paul Chryst said in a release from Wisconsin Athletics. “From a football perspective, I’ve appreciated the way the other guys in the unit have responded this week.”
Gaglianone suffered a similar back injury in 2015, which resulted in him missing spring practice the previous season.
Wisconsin goes on the road again this weekend against #4 ranked Michigan. Senior placekicker Andrew Endicott, listed at #2, is currently expected to start.
“It’s terrible and my heart goes out to him,” Endicott said in a video put out by the Badgers.
Gaglianone would qualify for a medical redshirt if he decides to go through with that process, as he played in less than 30% of the team’s games this season.
Image courtesy of westwoodonesports.com.