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Wisconsin's Luke Fickell gives Billy Edwards Jr. injury update

Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. is unlikely to play when the Badgers visit No. 19 Alabama on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Edwards sprained his knee in the season-opening 17-0 win over Miami University and is considered week-to-week. He is expected to travel with the team and warm up before kickoff, but faces long odds to suit up.

Head coach Luke Fickell said early this week that Edwards has been rehabbing aggressively and “pushing forward,” but cautioned that the staff would not rush him back. “We’re going to have to protect Billy from himself,” Fickell said.

San Diego State transfer Danny O’Neil is in line to start for the second straight game. O’Neil has completed 35-of-46 passes for 403 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions across two games.

Edwards, who is a Maryland transfer, was named the starter shortly after arriving in Madison. He passed for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns last season with the Terrapins. The Badgers open Big Ten play next week against Maryland, giving Edwards an extra layer of motivation to return quickly.

Wisconsin is 2-0 after victories over Miami (Ohio) and Middle Tennessee. Following Maryland, the Badgers will have a bye before traveling to Michigan on Oct. 4.

The Alabama matchup will be the most significant test yet for Fickell’s overhauled roster. The Crimson Tide enter at 1-1 after a season-opening upset loss to Florida State but rebounded last week.