UW notes: Injuries continue to hamper Wisconsin's defense

MADISON – Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard won’t be able to field his No. 1 unit when Wisconsin faces Illinois this week.

Defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk is set to miss his second consecutive game because of a left ankle injury suffered against Nebraska. 

In addition, five defensive backs were listed as questionable Monday on the team’s preliminary injury report.

The five are safety D’Cota Dixon (right foot), who was injured late against Nebraska and missed the loss last week at Michigan; cornerback Faion Hicks (left leg), who started at Michigan but was injured in the opening quarter; safety Scott Nelson (right leg), who missed the first half at Michigan because of a targeting penalty the previous week and then was injured early in the third quarter; safety Reggie Pearson (left leg), who started against the Wolverines and recorded five tackles and a forced fumble before going down; and cornerback Travian Blaylock (right leg), who did not play at Michigan.

The certain absence of Loudermilk is the biggest blow because it eliminates a pass-rusher and a player who can work in the base defense or nickel package. 

It also means starters Kayden Lyles and Matt Henningsen likely will get fewer breaks.

Henningsen, however, started in place of Loudermilk at Michigan and recorded a season-high six tackles. 

“Obviously, you’d like to be at full strength,” senior linebacker T.J. Edwards said. “He brings a different dynamic. But I thought Henny did a great job. Kayden … I think both of them are starting to come into their own style of play. You are starting to see their confidence build.”

With five defensive backs, including both starting safeties questionable, Leonhard will again have to prepare for multiple contingencies.

Considering that Illinois runs a spread attack that generally forces teams to play five defensive backs, that could strain UW’s secondary even further. 

Safety Eric Burrell got his first college start last week and fared well, particularly in run support.  He finished with a team-high 11 tackles, including six solo stops. 

“E.B. was around the ball,” UW coach Paul Chryst said.

If UW has to face Illinois without Dixon, Nelson and Pearson, the likely second safety would be Seth Currens. He played against the Wolverines but did not record a tackle.

If Hicks is unavailable this week, UW’s top four corners should be Caesar Williams, Deron Harrell, freshman Rachad Wildgoose and Madison Cone.

Wildgoose got the start at Michigan opposite Harrell. Williams also played after missing the previous game because of a leg injury.

“I was proud of the way the guys just jumped in,” Chryst said, referring to the constant shuffling in the secondary at Michigan. “I have a ton of confidence in what they’re being coached.”

Kickoff set

Wisconsin’s Oct. 27 game at Northwestern is to start at 11 a.m., officials announced Monday. Broadcast information is to be determined.