Danny O'Neil injury update: Wisconsin backup QB taken to injury tent with Billy Edwards Jr. out

Danny O’Neil was injured during the fourth quarter of Wisconsin‘s game vs. Maryland. The Badgers’ QB left the game after a sack, but appeared to be favoring an apparent lower-body injury before the hit.

He got up off the field without the help of the training staff. He jogged off the field and onto the sideline.

O’Neil is already the second-string quarterback for Wisconsin. Starter Billy Edwards has been dealing with a knee sprain since Week 1. He started against Maryland but left in the first quarter before being ruled out. Hunter Simmons is the third QB on Wisconsin’s roster.

Simmons is a senior transfer from Southern Illinois. He played all four of his previous seasons for SIU. By the time he entered the game in the final minutes of the first quarter, however, the final outcome had already been decided. The Badgers were already trailing 27-3.

O’Neil did not see the game for the rest of the afternoon. He completed 14-of-22 passing attempts for 120 yards and an interception. Simmons had a strong showing considering the tough spot he was put in. He finished the game completing 7-9 passes for 70 yards and threw Wisconsin’s lone touchdown in the final minute of the game.

The status of O’Neil, as well as Edwards, remains to be seen in the moments following the final snap. What is clear is that Wisconsin is 2-2 this season after four weeks this season after winning its first two games of the season.

Looking ahead, the Badgers are idle during Week 5 before returning to action on Oct. 4. They’re set to battle Michigan on the road. Wisconsin still has ranked matchups against the Wolverines, as well as Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana and Illinois on its schedule this season.

Wisconsin fans break out in ‘Fire Fickell’ chant at halftime vs. Maryland

Wisconsin fans let their head coach know how they feel heading into halftime. Trialing Maryland 20-0 after two quarters, fans inside Camp Randall Stadium chanted ‘Fire Fickell,’ referring to head coach Luke Fickell.

It’s clear Wisconsin fans are frustrated, but now they’re calling for change. Fickell is in the beginning of his third season with the Wisconsin program. He’s compiled a 14-15 record during that span following the loss to Maryland.

If Wisconsin were to go ahead and part ways with Fickell before the end of the 2025 season, it would be costly. They would owe their head coach more than $25 million, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.