Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. ruled out vs. No. 20 Michigan

Jeff Hauser

Wisconsin QB Billy Edwards Jr. ruled out vs. No. 20 Michigan image

Wisconsin will be without starting quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. when the Badgers visit No. 20 Michigan on Saturday, according to a report by ESPN.

Edwards, who traveled with the team, won't play after re-aggravating a knee sprain suffered in the opener against Miami (Ohio). He briefly returned against Maryland on Sept. 20 but exited after one series. His return timeline remains uncertain.

Hunter Simmons will start at quarterback. The Southern Illinois transfer played the final series against Maryland and threw a touchdown pass. Danny O’Neil, who started two games this season, has completed 70.6% of his passes with five touchdowns and five interceptions in two starts this season. He'll be available to back up Simmons.

The Badgers will also be without starting center Jake Renfro. As one of Wisconsin’s most experienced linemen, this is a big blow. Davis Heinzen will replace him today in Ann Arbor.

The Badgers enter the matchup on a two-game skid after losses to Alabama and Maryland. Wisconsin travels to meet Michigan (Noon ET, FOX). 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.