Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell met with the media yesterday in advance of the team’s Week 1 contest against the Buffalo Bulls.
The availability included a game-week depth chart, some words of excitement and a plea for the students to show up to the game on time.
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The availability also included an injury update for Wisconsin starting defensive lineman Isaiah Mullens. Fickell said his timetable is currently unknown after the veteran had a knee scope a few weeks ago.
Mullens is an important piece of Wisconsin’s defense this season, enough so that I named him one of my most important Badgers for the 2023 season. His injury means the starting unit of Rodas Johnson, Gio Paez and James Thompson Jr. will still be formidable, but there is nearly zero depth at the position.
Luke Fickell said he does not know how long Isaiah Mullens will be out. Had a scope a few weeks ago.
Still a week or so away until he’s given a timetable.#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 28, 2023
Mullens has played in 23 games in his four-year college career to this point. He’s recorded 40 total tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Wisconsin’s defensive line may prove to be the Achilles heel of the unit if the veteran isn’t able to work back to full strength by the beginning of Big Ten play.