Paul Chryst offers brief update on Graham Mertz's status for Michigan game

One of the key pieces to Wisconsin’s first win was Graham Mertz. Making his first start, the Badger quarterback was tremendous, completing 20 of 21 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns.

Unfortunately for Mertz and the rest of the Badgers, they started catching COVID-19. That led to an outbreak that cost Wisconsin two games.

Though it appears the situation is under control enough where the Badgers can take on Michigan, the status of Mertz still appears to be in question.

During his normal Monday press conference, head coach Paul Chryst was non-committal when it came to Mertz playing against the Wolverines.

Chryst can't/won't say if Graham Mertz will be the starting QB on Saturday but says that he'll have to see how Mertz practices throughout the week.

— Bucky’s 5th Quarter (@B5Q) November 9, 2020

Just asked Paul Chryst if QB Graham Mertz would be available vs. Michigan: "Graham, the way that his is timing out, he’s starting that process of coming back. His tests are all done. I think he’ll be able to have some practice and we’ll see if it’s enough practice time."

— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) November 9, 2020

Mertz coming back would be huge as Wisconsin returns to play. If he cannot, the job would likely be held by Chase Wolf. However, Wolf also had coronavirus, so his status also could be up in the air.

Saturday’s game is a big one for the Badgers. Though they looked great, they did so against a lackluster Illinois squad that’s 0-3.

Michigan has stubbed its toe now twice in as many weeks and has everyone talking about Jim Harbaugh’s job status. But in Week 1, the Wolverines looked like a juggernaut against Minnesota.

Besides a tough opponent, Wisconsin has a few teams breathing down its neck in the Big Ten West race. Both Northwestern and Purdue are unbeaten and have looked strong so far. Bucky is still the division favorite, but a lot hinges on game No. 2 for Wisconsin.