The Wisconsin Badgers will face the Maryland Terrapins on Nov. 15 without their primary pass rusher, Sebastian Cheeks.
According to the latest availability report, the fifth-year outside linebacker is officially listed as out for the contest.
A communications representative for the university confirmed that the player sustained an undisclosed injury during a practice session on Nov. 12.
Despite the designation, Cheeks did travel with the team to the game site in College Park, Maryland.
The loss of the linebacker is significant for the team’s defensive production this season.
Data from the team’s official statistics shows that Cheeks currently leads the Badgers with seven sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Furthermore, he has recorded 43 total pressures throughout the current campaign.
While the injury impacts his availability for this specific matchup, reports indicate that the setback is not expected to be a long-term issue for the defender.
The team will now look to adjust its defensive scheme to compensate for the absence of their leading pass rusher.
Other players on the roster have demonstrated defensive capabilities recently, such as in the game against Rutgers where linebacker Nicolas Clayton recorded a sack and Cooper Catalano contributed significantly to the defensive effort.
However, the specific production provided by Cheeks remains a focal point for the Wisconsin coaching staff as they prepare for the road game.
The coaching staff has not provided further details regarding the nature of the injury or a specific timeline for his return to active play.
Fans and analysts will be monitoring the defensive performance closely as the Badgers look to maintain their momentum without one of their most impactful players on the field.
The game against Maryland represents a critical opportunity for the team to showcase its depth in the absence of a key defensive starter.