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Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst quiet on Graham Mertz status

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Wisconsin is sitting and waiting.

Over the weekend, it was reported that redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz tested positive for COVID-19. That positive result would mean the QB would not be able to participate in a competition for a minimum of 21 days for the Badgers.

Currently, Wisconsin is waiting for a confirmation on the positive result. On Monday morning, Paul Chryst was asked about Mertz’s situation, but the head coach stayed quiet on the situation.

“That is one thing I can’t speak on and therefore won’t — anything with the coronavirus and with the results of all the testing that we’re doing,” Chryst said Monday morning on WIBA-AM radio, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Mertz was brilliant in his first career start on Friday night. The redshirt freshman completed 20-of-21 passes, including his first 17 throws. He finished the game with 248 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading Wisconsin to a 45-7 victory over Illinois to start the year 1-0.

With Jack Coan out due to a foot injury, the Badgers would be on their third-string quarterback for next week’s game against Nebraska if Mertz’s positive result is confirmed.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB