Wisconsin Badger John Clay's status up in the air
Just because the Wisconsin Badgers have an extensive depth chart, doesn’t necessarily mean they would prefer to use it. However, the Badgers (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten), who currently sit at No. 7 in the latest BCS (Bowl Championship Series) standings, may have to
dig a little deeper into their roster this weekend when they host the Indiana Hoosiers (4-5, 0-5 Big Ten) on Saturday, 13 November.
According to The Associated Press (AP), Badgers coach Bret Bielema has stated that John Clay remains questionable for this week’s match-up against the Hoosiers, as the starting running back continues to nurse a sprained right knee.
Clay’s injury occurred early into the second half of last Saturday’s contest against the Purdue Boilermakers, which the Badgers went on to win 34-13. And, although sophomore running back Montee Ball was able to pick up the slack in Clay’s absence, Bielema had
to hold Clay (who wanted to return) out of the game at his own behest.
“He was actually trying to get back in the ball game there late, but [we] just didn’t feel where he was at that we needed to do that,” the head coach told reporters on Monday.
The news regarding Clay could further deplete a Badger backfield that has also been without freshman running back James White, who has been a major contributor for Wisconsin this year with nine rushing touchdowns.
Although White, who initially hurt his left knee in a 23 October meeting with the Iowa Hawkeyes, is expected to return to the line-up this weekend, Clay’s status remains in limbo.
“We’ll see exactly where he’s at as the week moves through,” Bielema said, according to The AP. “He did have a slight MCL sprain, so he just basically, the MRIs came back and didn’t even look as bad as possibly James’ from a week ago, so there is a chance
for him this week.”
Clay, who is the defending Big Ten offensive player of the year, has rushed for 929 yards and 13 TDs thus far this season.
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