As Sunday's season opener for Notre Dame approaches, the health of their opponents is worth monitoring.
Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell met with media this week to talk about the anticipated matchup and when asked about his offensive line's health, he said projected starting right guard Emerson Mandell and right tackle Kevin Heywood both remain uncertain to suit on Sunday.
Although both players took practice reps on Monday, they have missed significant time during camp, which has led to Wisconsin being noncommittal on their status. "There aren't decisions made completely on a lot of guys just yet," Fickell said. "We'll have to figure that thing out as we get closer to game day."
Mandell has been recovering from spring foot surgery, while
Heywood is dealing with a lower-body injury that he sustained early in camp. Their potential play would have a huge impact on what the Badgers offensive line play could look like in the season opener at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
The Fighting Irish are considered strong favorites going into the game, and a strong performance could help lead to the momentum they need as one of the strongest National Champion favorites in the country.
Luke Fickell on the status of Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood for Notre Dame.
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 31, 2026
"We don't know. There's still some time for us. I couldn't tell you exactly where we are to date right now. That'll be closer to a game time decision. Both of them took some reps today."#Badgers pic.twitter.com/mEVRNOUUCK
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame's opponent Wisconsin, is dealing with multiple OL injuries
