Report: Wisconsin Avoids Long-Term Injury With Quarterback Billy Edwards Jr.
MADISON, Wis. — There were major concerns for the health of Wisconsin senior quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. following a non-contact leg injury suffered in the second quarter of Thursday’s 17-0 season-opening win over Miami (OH). It appears the biggest fears of a season-ending injury have been avoided.
As Badger Blitz reported early Friday morning, Edwards was not believed to have suffered a season-ending or even a long-term injury. ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed Friday afternoon that the Maryland transfer had a clean MRI and suffered just a sprained knee.
Edwards went down after a handoff attempt in the second quarter. He eventually got off the field under his own power, but was walking with a noticeable limp. Edwards returned to the team in the third quarter in street clothes. Prior to his injury, Edwards was 6-of-13 passing for 68 yards, helping Wisconsin to a 3-0 lead at home. Edwards did get banged up in fall camp as well, leaving practice one day after banging his knee on a Badger defender.
Sources tell Badger Blitz that Wisconsin is expected to know more information regarding a timetable for Edwards’ return in the next 24-48 hours, but Edwards is in jeopardy of missing the rest of non-conference play, including UW’s week three clash at No. 8 Alabama.
In place of Edwards, sophomore quarterback Danny O’Neil went 12-of-19 passing for 120 yards. O’Neil did have an interception on fourth and goal, but bounced back with a touchdown drive in the third quarter. O’Neil hit senior wide receiver Vinny Anthony for a 3-yard score. The San Diego State transfer, who started 11 games as a true freshman, also scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak to give the Badgers a 17-0 advantage in the final period.
“I think he stepped up to the plate,” said Anthony. “I saw him in the locker room, I was like, ‘I’m very proud of you for stepping up and not really flinching.’ You could tell he was confident in himself.”
Wisconsin returns to action next Saturday against Middle Tennessee State. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Camp Randall Stadium.
