Report: Mertz out 21 days after 2nd positive COVID-19 test
Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz will sit out 21 days after a second positive test confirmed he has COVID-19, a source told CBS Sports' Barrett Sallee and Dennis Dodd.
The 21-day window is part of the COVID-19 protocols enacted by the Big Ten. It begins from the time of the first positive test. If his first test was taken Saturday, Mertz - who put together a flawless performance in Wisconsin's season opener against Illinois - could be eligible to return to the team Nov. 14.
Badgers' upcoming schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Oct. 31 | Nebraska |
| Nov. 7 | Purdue |
| Nov. 14 | Michigan |
| Nov. 21 | Northwestern |
Mertz entered the season second on Wisconsin's depth chart, but he was promoted when starter Jack Coan suffered a foot injury in practice. Third-stringer Chase Wolf also produced a positive test, but he's awaiting results on the second test, a source told Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Danny Vanden Boom is the fourth-string quarterback, though Wisconsin could deploy senior running back Garrett Groshek there as well.
Nebraska DC Erik Chinander says the Huskers are preparing for Wisconsin RB Garrett Groshek to play some quarterback in Lincoln. “I think he can throw the football,” Chinander said. The Wildcat is on Nebraska’s radar, too.
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) October 27, 2020
Mertz, the most heralded quarterback recruit in Wisconsin history, completed 20 of 21 passes and threw five touchdowns against Illinois.