The Graham Mertz era may be starting earlier than expected in Madison.

On Sunday morning, Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that last Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan sustained a foot injury during practice over the weekend. The veteran QB is out indefinitely and the severity of the injury is currently unknown.

Coan was the starter for the Badgers under center last season, replacing Alex Hornibrook, who transferred to Florida State. Behind Coan are quarterbacks Mertz, Danny Vandem Boom and Chase Wolf.

Coan had a strong season at Wisconsin during the 2019 campaign, throwing for 2,727 yards and 18 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. He also accounted for 4 rushing scores and completed his passes at a 69.6% clip.

Wisconsin finished the season with a 10-4 record, reclaiming its spot atop the B1G West and earning a bid to the Rose Bowl Game.

Mertz and Wolf have seen limited action on the field in Madison, so they’d be essentially newbies under center. Last year, Mertz completed 9-of-10 passes for 73 yards. Wolf completed his only pass last season, and Vanden Boom also completed one pass, but that came in 2018.

The Badgers are scheduled to open the 2020 season against Illinois on Saturday, Oct. 24.