The Wisconsin Badgers football team might be without a top running back against the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend.
Wisconsin running back Tawee Walker started against the Western Michigan Broncos and provided plenty of production as both a rusher and a pass blocker. Walker was unable to play against the South Dakota Coyotes and was seen roaming the field in pads, but without a helmet. Coach Luke Fickell gave a short injury update on Walker and defensive back Xavier Lucas, but does not believe either player is ready to go this weekend at this moment.
Wisconsin Badgers Staff Likely Without Walker, Lucas During Crimson Tide Clash
The Wisconsin football staff has unfortunately been hit by the injury big early this season with big players going down. The first injury for Wisconsin was true freshman outside linebacker Thomas Heiberger, who was scheduled to play a significant amount as a freshman. Now, Wisconsin has had two potential key players go down with injuries as running back Tawee Walker and defensive back Xavier Lucas are both injured.
Walker did not play against the South Dakota Coyotes, but was seen walking around the team sideline in full pads. Walker did not have his helmet, and did not step on the field for the Badgers against the Coyotes, which was odd to see for Badgers fans. The running back suffered an undisclosed injury, and the Wisconsin football staff kept Walker out at a precautionary measure.
However, it now appears as though Walker could miss extra time, with coach Luke Fickell non-committal on Walker playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Along with Fickell not committing to Walker playing, Fickell also would not commit to defensive back Xavier Lucas playing against the Crimson Tide. Lucas suffered an injury against the South Dakota Coyotes when he slipped on the concrete just to the right of the end zone upon making a play.
Lucas slipped and fell before exiting the game, and the defensive back would not return to the game after his exit. Many believed Lucas was also kept out for precautionary measures, but it might be more severe as the defensive back could miss the next game. Lucas does not have a big role with the Wisconsin football team yet, but still provides extra depth to the secondary and would be missed against Alabama.
Who Will Take the Snaps For Walker For the Wisconsin Football Team?
In the absence of Walker last week, running backs Chez Mellusi and Cade Yacamelli took the majority of the handoffs. Mellusi and Walker were a sort of thunder and lightning duo out of the backfield, and Yacamelli adds that affect the most out of the rest of the room. The Wisconsin football staff will likely consider using an array of other backs if Walker is out for an extended period of time.
Freshmen running backs Darrion Dupree and Dilin Jones are two players the Badgers could consider activating if Walker is out for weeks. Dupree had some action against the Coyotes, but did not record much against the defense. The staff really seems to be a fan of Dupree given his ability to also receive the ball out of the backfield when needed.
With Walker suffering from an undisclosed injury, the exact timetable of his return is unknown and it could become extended. The Wisconsin football staff will have to use one of their running backs in the meantime as a fill in for Walker.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, follow me on Twitter @JarrettGuerrera
