Billy Edwards Jr. injury update: Luke Fickell addresses where Wisconsin QB is in recovery process

Billy Edwards Jr. hasn’t been able to suit up under center for Wisconsin since Sept. 20 vs. Maryland nursing a knee sprain. The Badgers QB originally hurt his knee during the season opener vs. Miami (OH).

On Monday, Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell provided the latest on Edwards’ and his recovery. Fickell has been vague on Edwards status in the past, and that continued to begin Week 9 prep vs. Oregon.

“I don’t know that,” Fickell said. “We didn’t do nearly as much with him later in the week. You know, that’s one of those things. As we get to Tuesday, we’re trying to say that’s, don’t do too much, and then figure out where we are on Tuesday. 

“So we don’t know right now. We’re hoping that it’s better, and we have to continue to figure that out. That’s one of those things he said, What can make a change and give you a change? Well, that could be one, but just don’t know when he is going to be available.”

Fickell couldn’t provide a long-term plan for Edwards’ rehab following Saturday’s 34-0 loss to Ohio State, so there’s no timeline available for a potential return. Time is ticking for the senior to get on the field, as there’s only five games left on the Badgers’ regular season schedule.

Against the Buckeyes, Wisconsin quarterbacks Hunter Simmons and Danny O’Neil combined to complete 7-15 passing attempts for 54 yards and an interception. Both Simmons and O’Neil have split time at quarterback in Edwards’ absence, though Simmons has earned the start in Wisconsin’s last three games.

Wisconsin’s inconsistency under center has done their offense no favors down the stretch. The Badgers currently rank last in yards per game in the Big Ten with 271.3, and are the only team in the conference averaging under 300 yards of total offense per game.

Additionally, their 13.3 points per game average is the third lowest in all of Division I college football. Only Northern Illinois (12.3 ppg) and UMass (11.3) average less.

It remains to be seen whether Wisconsin will continue to start Simmons under center while Edwards continues his recovery, or if O’Neil will earn the nod. O’Neil is still the team’s leading passer despite playing little to no reps over the last three games.

Kickoff between the Badgers and Ducks is set for 7 p.m. ET. FS1 will air the national broadcast.