Wisconsin already faced a tough challenge with its matchup against No. 4 Alabama on Saturday. But a win became even tougher for the Badgers after an early injury.
Starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke left the game in the first quarter after taking a hit while scrambling on the sideline vs. the Crimson Tide.
Van Dyke remained on the ground after the play, clutching at his right leg. The play included a flag on Alabama for a late hit.
Van Dyke's loss was a tough one for Wisconsin, which started its season 2-0 behind the star transfer but then lost 42-10 to the Crimson Tide. Backup QB Braedyn Locke, a sophomore, took over under center following the injury.
Here are the latest updates on Van Dyke from Wisconsin vs. Alabama, along with how Locke performed after filling in Saturday.
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Tyler Van Dyke injury update
Van Dyke will miss the remainder of Wisconsin's 2024 season with his injury, per the Wisconsin State Journal.
It's an unfortunate turn of events for the Badgers, who will now turn toward Locke as their starting QB for the rest of the year.
On Saturday, Van Dyke was ruled out by the team at halftime. Following his injury in the first quarter, it took a cart to get him back to the locker room.
As the second half of the game began, Van Dyke returned to the sidelines on crutches.
Saturday was just Van Dyke's third game with the Badgers after he transferred from Miami in the offseason. In 28 games with the Hurricanes over four years, he had 7,469 passing yards and 54 touchdowns.
After the game, Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said Van Dyke would undergo an MRI on his leg, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.
"I don't think it looks real good for us, for him," Fickell said.
The Wisconsin State Journal report said that Van Dyke's injury was to his knee, but it did not include details on the exact extent of the injury.
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Braedyn Locke stats vs. Alabama
In 2023, Locke played in five games for the Badgers, completing 50% of his passes for 777 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. His last in-game appearance for Wisconsin before Saturday came in a 20-14 loss to Indiana on Nov. 4, 2023.
Locke finished the game vs. Alabama on Saturday with 125 yards on 13-of-26 passing, plus a touchdown pass to Will Pauling. He didn't throw an interception, and his two recorded rushes lost a total of 15 yards.
Locke will be Wisconsin's starter moving forward after the injury to Van Dyke.