Badgers QB Hornibrook in concussion protocol, could miss game Saturday.
Hornibrook is being treated for concussion
MADISON – Jack Coan’s last game action at Wisconsin came in the 2017 regular-season finale at Minnesota.
That could change Saturday when UW (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) faces host Northwestern (4-3, 4-1) because starter Alex Hornibrook is going through the concussion protocol and his status for the key Big Ten game is uncertain.
A source confirmed Hornibrook’s status, which was first reported by the Wisconsin Radio Network.
UW did not list Hornibrook on the team’s injury report Thursday, and he was seen doing conditioning work after the team’s light workout. Conditioning
work is part of the protocol for players who suffer concussions.
Coan, from Sayville, N.Y., has not played this season because the staff is trying to take advantage of a first-year rule that allows players to play up to four games and still retain a season of eligibility.
Hornibrook has started all seven games for UW. Redshirt freshman Danny Vanden Boom has gotten late work in two games.
Coan appeared in six games as a freshman in 2017 and completed all five of his passes, for 36 yards.
UW coach Paul Chryst, speaking to reporters after practice Thursday, commented on Coan’s patience despite sitting out so far this season.
“I think he has been great,” Chryst said. “We’ll talk about it weekly where we’re at with it. I think he has been purposeful in his work and preparation in practice.
“I think he is enjoying and appreciating the opportunity to truly keep learning.
“When you’re a freshman you’re going through a lot of stuff. … Now he has taken one lap around the track. I’ve been pleased with the way he has handled it.”
Chryst noted Vanden Boom was used earlier this season because the staff wanted to keep Coan available for later in the season and in case Hornibrook was injured.
Hornibrook suffered a concussion as a redshirt freshman in 2016 in the regular-season finale against Minnesota. He did not play in the Big Ten title game, a 38-31 loss to Penn State, and came off the bench in the Cotton Bowl.
Bart Houston started UW’s final two games that season. He completed 16 of 21 passes for 174 yards in the loss to Penn State and hit 11 of 12 attempts for 159 yards in a 24-16 victory over Western Michigan in the Cotton Bowl.
Hornibrook was 2 of 2 for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl.
Secondary update
UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will be shuffling the secondary again this week.
Cornerback Deron Harrell, who started the last four games, suffered a leg injury during practice Wednesday and is out this week.
“I liked where he was going,” Chryst said. “He’s got to get back healthy.”
Safety Scott Nelson (leg) is out and will miss his second consecutive game.
Senior safety D’Cota Dixon, whose right ankle was taped heavily Thursday, is questionable. Dixon was injured in UW’s victory over Nebraska and did not play against Michigan or Illinois.
Freshman safety Reggie Pearson (leg), who has practiced this week, has been cleared to play.
Familiar faces
Two former UW assistants are on Pat Fitzgerald’s Northwestern staff.
Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz is in his 11th season with the Wildcats. He was UW’s co-defensive coordinator in 2006 and ’07 under Bret Bielema.
Jeff Genyk is the Wildcats’ special teams coach. He coached UW’s tight ends and special teams in 2013 and ’14 under Gary Andersen.
Chryst was UW’s offensive coordinator during Hankwitz’s time in Madison.
“Their players know what they’re doing and you can see that in the way they play,” Chryst said when asked about Hankwitz’s unit. “No hesitation. They play fast.
“A good defense to me is one that makes you … you’ve got to earn what you get. You have to execute. You have to beat them. They won’t give you a lot of things. They won’t give you free ones.”