Jim Leonhard understands he has a high-caliber playmaker in Braelon Allen, but he also understands that using Allen too much can wear him down throughout the season.

After Tuesday’s practice, Leonhard talked to Badgers247’s Michael Hogan about the workload that he has to be aware of involving Allen.

“He’s a dynamic playmaker who needs to remain one,” Leonhard, the interim head coach, said. “If we wear him out, his effectiveness will not be the same going down the stretch.”

Allen rushed the ball 39 times for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 34-28 road loss to Michigan State in Week 7. He had 29 rushed the ball out of the Badgers’ 39 total times against the Spartans.

A key factor in the larger workload are the injuries to some of their backs, including No. 2 back Chez Mellusi.

“As a number of positions are (dealing with injuries), we have to be able to trust the depth we have,” Leonhard told reporters. “We have to be able to find roles for some of the guys deeper down in our depth in order to keep guys fresh.”

Allen has rushed for 757 yards (10th in the FBS) and 8 touchdowns on 133 rushing attempts. He has the 11th most rushing attempts this season.