Wisconsin’s first Week 9 availability report brought a mixed bag for the Badgers, with a few key names trending in the right direction and one new concern landing on the offensive line.
Running back Darrion Dupree and wide receiver Malachi Coleman were both listed as probable on Wednesday. Dupree was probable last week as well, but he did not play, while Abu Sama and Bryan Jackson handled most of the carries. Coleman also sat out last week.
On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Nolan Vils and safety Marvin Burks Jr. landed on the questionable list. Vils was on the field for 16 snaps in Wisconsin’s win over USC, while Burks exited early after playing just nine snaps.
When Burks went down, Cairo Skanes stepped into a much bigger role and played 65 snaps. Carson Van Dinter and Matthew Traynor also got some work, and Skanes made the most of his opportunity with four tackles, a pass breakup and an interception.
The biggest development for Wisconsin was at right guard, where Barrett Nelson was listed as doubtful. Nelson played 53 of the team’s 60 offensive snaps last week and made his first start at the position, but he now faces another injury setback after dealing with issues throughout the season. If he can’t go, the Badgers may need another shuffle up front.
Running back Nate Palmer also remains doubtful, as he has for the past few weeks.
One player who may be closer to returning is Austin Kawecki. Wisconsin did not play him last week even though he had been probable, and he was absent from Wednesday’s report altogether.
Iowa has its own injury list to manage. Starting running back Kamari Moulton is out for the year with an upper-body injury, while defensive back Cody Haddad, running back Brevin Doll and defensive lineman Emmanuel Olagbaju are all doubtful.
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