Wisconsin’s latest Grace Egan update keeps trending in the right direction, and the signs are starting to pile up.
What began as a frightening back injury has steadily shifted into something far more encouraging for the Badgers. Egan had gone missing from the lineup and from the sideline, and the early word was alarming: no feeling in her legs and a trip to the hospital after what was described as a scary back injury. Weeks later, she’s suddenly looking close to a return.
The first hint came earlier this week when Egan posted a photo on Instagram wearing knee pads, paired with the “eyes” emoji. Then Kelly Sheffield added more optimism when he told Jon Arias on The Kelly Sheffield Show, "Everything is pointing toward her being back at some point this year." That was followed by the clearest sign yet: Egan showed up in uniform and went through warmups before Maryland.
Grace Egan is in uniform and participating in warmups ahead of the #Badgers ' match against Maryland.
Encouraging sign as she continues to recover from her back injury.
In other injury news, Madison Quest has a walking boot and is not in uniform.
- John Steppe (@JSteppe1) October 16, 2026
That makes Egan’s return feel closer than it did even a few days ago.
It would be a major boost for Wisconsin, because Egan is more than just another body coming back from injury. She’s one of the team’s top players, a veteran presence, and a versatile outside hitter who can work both pins and attack from the back row. The Badgers could use that kind of flexibility, but only if she’s fully ready.
The news around Madison Quest adds another layer to the injury picture. There had been no previous mention of a problem before she was spotted on the sideline in a walking boot. That’s a notable development, and one Sheffield will likely be asked about after the match.
Wisconsin has already dealt with a long list of injuries this season, with multiple players missing time at different points. The two biggest names in that group have been Jaela Auguste and Egan. Auguste has been back for a couple of weeks, and now Egan appears to be nearing her own return.
The timing also works in Wisconsin’s favor. The Badgers are moving into a stretch of Big Ten play where there isn’t much reason to rush Egan back.
Sheffield has been cautious with injuries anyway, and the next few opponents are all unranked, which should take some of the pressure off. Those upcoming matches are Maryland, Iowa, No.
20 Washington, Michigan, and USC.
Wisconsin already survived the early gauntlet of conference play, with its only loss coming against Nebraska. Compared with those six straight ranked matches to open Big Ten play, this next stretch looks much more manageable.
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