Wisconsin HC Luke Fickell gives status update on two key starters ahead of matchup vs. Rutgers
Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell met with the media today in advance of his team’s upcoming home matchup against Rutgers. During the session, he gave updates on the injury status of both starting center Jake Renfro and starting defensive lineman Isaiah Mullens.
Fickell first noted he is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Renfro playing on Saturday. The Cincinnati transfer hasn’t played yet this season, and missed all of 2022 due to injury. Back in 2021, he started all 13 games for the Bearcats and earned First-Team All-AAC honors.
Related: Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 5: Wisconsin remains in the top five
Tanor Bortolini has started each of Wisconsin’s first four games at center. Renfro’s return would likely see a reshuffle with Bortolini moving out to guard.
Second, the Wisconsin head coach also said he doesn’t yet know if Mullens will play Saturday — though he sounded less optimistic. Mullens has also missed each of the first four games of the season. The Badgers have badly missed his presence along the defensive line.
Luke Fickell said he's "cautiously optimistic" about Jake Renfro playing against Rutgers.
Cincinnati transfer did dress against Purdue.
Doesn't anticipate #Badgers shifting around the OL yet to make room for him at center.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 2, 2023
Luke Fickell doesn't know if Isaiah Mullens will play Saturday vs. Rutgers.
Was still limited last week.#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 2, 2023
Wisconsin welcomes in a sneaky-good 4-1 Rutgers team on Saturday. It needs a win to jumpstart its conquest to win the Big Ten West in the division’s final season.
