Billy Edwards injury update: Luke Fickell provides unclear picture of health, potential return

Billy Edwards is still working his way back from a knee injury suffered during Wisconsin‘s season opener. The senior’s knee sprain forced him to be sidelined once again against Iowa during Week 7.

Badgers head coach Luke Fickell provided an update on Edwards following the 37-0 home loss on Saturday. Fickell was vague, so the timeline is still up in the air.

“I don’t have a good indication on what exactly he’s going to be available,” Fickell said. “Is he going to be available at 85%? Is going to be available at 90%? … We’re just gonna have to figure that out. But I don’t know.”

In his absence, both Danny O’Neil and Hunter Simmons have been given opportunities by Fickell. Simmons has earned the last two starts against both Michigan and Iowa. Before that, O’Neil started in place of Edwards.

Edwards attempted to make a return against Maryland, his former team, late last month but didn’t make it past the first quarter with his injury. Before the game, Edwards did all he could to start against the Terrapins.

As the Terrapins starting quarterback last season, completing 65% of his passes for 2,881 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Wisconsin had the hope that he could improve on those numbers in Madison this season. So far, his ongoing knee issue has gotten in the way.

“With about six minutes left in the game (against Iowa), I stood down there with him, trying to pick his brain a little bit to see, you know where he is, and I don’t really know,” Fickell said. “We’ll figure it out, but I’m sure to him in some ways, you know, he wants to see some positives, too, and I know that he can make a difference.”

While Edwards continues to recover, it appears that Simmons will continue to receive the starting nod for Wisconsin. So far, he’s thrown for 329 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions on the season. His lone touchdown pass didn’t come in either of his two starts this season.

O’Neil is still the team’s leader passer through Week 7. He’s completing 70.6% of his passes for 640 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Wisconsin will welcome No. 1 Ohio State to Camp Randall Stadium next week as they continue Big Ten Conference action. Edwards status for that matchup remains to be seen. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.