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Wisconsin enters its season opener at Lambeau Field shorthanded on the offensive line, with right guard Emerson Mandell expected to miss Sunday night’s game against No. 4 Notre Dame. ESPN reporter Pete Thamel says starting right tackle Kevin Heywood, who had been questionable, is now expected to play.
What we know about the injuries
Thamel’s report identifies Heywood’s issue as a lower‑body injury and Mandell’s as a foot problem. Neither status is official; the Big Ten does not publish regular injury reports until conference play begins. That means final lineups won’t be confirmed until game time.
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Heywood was hurt early in fall camp and was limited after the incident. He missed live practice sessions and at one point wore a walking boot, but progress late in camp suggested he might be available on a day‑to‑day basis.
Mandell’s recovery has followed a different timeline. He underwent foot surgery after an injury in spring ball, worked on the periphery during fall camp and appeared behind in his return timeline compared with teammates.
Projected starting five up front
With Heywood expected to return and Mandell sidelined, the likely opening‑night front five looks like this:
- LT: PJ Wilkins
- LG: Colin Cubberly
- C: Austin Kawecki
- RG: Stylz Blackmon
- RT: Kevin Heywood
Arkansas transfer Blake Cherry could see snaps at guard, and unless Blackmon immediately seizes the job, a rotation between the two is possible. Florida State transfer Lucas Simmons‑Johansson, who logged reps at right tackle while Heywood was sidelined, could also spell Heywood at times.
“There could be a combination, and I bet you you’ll see a lot of guys play,” coach Luke Fickell said this week when discussing the offensive line.
Practically, having four of the five projected starters available is a meaningful development for Wisconsin. Just days earlier, it appeared the entire right side of the line might be in jeopardy, so this outlook eases at least some pregame concerns heading into a high‑profile matchup at Lambeau.
