Top 10 team may be without its star QB for 21 days due to COVID
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’s season could not have gotten off to a better start. The redshirt sophomore completed 20 of his 21 passes and threw 5 touchdowns in the Badgers’ 45-7 win over Illinois on Friday.
On Sunday, though, the No. 9 Badgers reportedly received what could be some tough early-season news. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus, Mertz has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Apologies for the delay in answering questions from #Badgers fans about Graham Mertz testing positive for COVID-19. Have been working on the story for much of the day but we wanted to be certain. One positive test. Has to have a second test to confirm.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) October 25, 2020
As Potrykus mentioned, a 2nd positive test is needed to confirm the diagnosis of Mertz. The Badgers are hoping it’s a negative one, because if the second test comes back positive, Mertz could be out of action for 3 weeks.
Wait on result of second test, but if it's positive … the new breakout QB of the Big Ten could be out for 21 days. https://t.co/ebPXLTw808
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 25, 2020
Wisconsin’s next 3 opponents are Nebraska, Purdue and Michigan. If the diagnosis of Mertz is confirmed, along with his absence, the Badgers may possibly have to contend with the loss of multiple players as contact tracing efforts would then get underway.
Regardless, this is not the news the Big Ten wanted to hear after starting its season just days ago.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
