Wisconsin Quarterback Tanner Mordecai Injury Update: What It Means For The Badgers

Tanner Mordecai Out: Braedyn Locke Steps Up for Wisconsin

Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) looks for an open receiver during the second quarter of their game against Iowa Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin :: © Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK

A Crushing Blow to Wisconsin's Offense

Wisconsin's hopes of maintaining their recent momentum took a significant hit this weekend when quarterback Tanner Mordecai broke his throwing hand during the game against Iowa. A source confirmed to ESPN that Mordecai underwent surgery on Sunday, and while it remains unclear how long he'll be sidelined, it's evident that the Badgers are entering a critical phase in their season with matchups against Illinois and Ohio State on the horizon.

An Unfortunate Turn for Mordecai

Late in the second quarter against the Hawkeyes, Mordecai's right hand struck the helmet of Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins following a completed pass to Will Pauling. Cameras captured Mordecai tapping his hand and telling the sideline, "I can't throw," before exiting the game with less than two minutes left. The Badgers ultimately lost 15-6 to Iowa, breaking their three-game winning streak.

How Wisconsin Football can still win the Big Ten West

The Badgers' New Game Plan

With Mordecai sidelined Wisconsin will turn to redshirt freshman Braedyn Locke, who's had limited in-game experience this season. Locke, who transferred from Mississippi State, replaced Mordecai in Saturday's game and managed to make an interception against Iowa. This week when they take on Illinois will be his first career start.

Final Thoughts

While it's impossible to know the long-term impact of Mordecai's injury at this point, he probably won't be returning to the field any time soon. Tanner Mordecai's broken hand and Chez Mellusi's broken fibula leave the Badgers with some big challenges ahead, especially with crucial matchups against Illinois and Ohio State on the horizon. The spotlight will now be on redshirt freshman Braedyn Locke, who must quickly adapt to the pressures of being a starting quarterback in one of college football's most competitive conferences.