The Wisconsin Badgers received two major injury updates prior to their Week 1 showdown against Notre Dame.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, starting right tackle Kevin Heywood is expected to play against the Fighting Irish.
Sadly, starting right tackle Emerson Mandell is not expected to play due to his foot injury.
"Both missed significant time during camp and their availability was in flux. Heywood, who is 6-9 and 320 pounds, got hurt the second day of camp and wore a walking boot for a stretch. He missed all of 2025 with an injury. Mandell started 12 games last year for the Badgers," Thamel wrote.
Sources: Wisconsin starting right tackle Kevin Heywood (lower body) is expected to play against No. 4 Notre Dame on Sunday, as his status had been uncertain
heading into the game. Right guard Emerson Mandell (foot) is not expected to play for the Badgers. pic.twitter.com/NaFx0GicZn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 6, 2026
Notre Dame comes into this game ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
The Fighting Irish have already ruled out eight players and have one more listed as questionable heading into the 2026 Shamrock Series at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI.
Wisconsin is rolling out nearly an entirely new offense in 2026, led by Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph.
Don't forget, Badgers Wire will have live coverage of the game when it kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin receives good news, bad news ahead of Notre Dame showdown
