Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez reveals number of positive COVID-19 cases

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: There are 22 active Covid-19 cases, and due to protocols head coach Paul Chryst will not be able to return to work until next Thursday.

UPDATE: According to Bruce Feldman on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, the number of positive cases inside the Wisconsin football program is now up to 23 total with 13 players and 10 staff. In addition, the Badgers would likely be down to their fourth string quarterback Danny Vanden Boom. Feldman noted there has been no formal discussions inside the Big Ten to change the 21-day shutdown policy for athletes who test positive for COVID-19.

Wisconsin athletic Director Barry Alvarez appeared on College GameDay on Saturday morning and announced the number of positive coronavirus cases inside the Badgers’ football program has risen to 22. This includes 12 players and 10 staff members.

The last reported case number came on Thursday when Wisconsin announced 16 positives. The program paused from team activities on Wednesday.

The Wisconsin Badgers became the first Big Ten football program to have their game canceled alongside the Nebraska Cornhuskers, which was scheduled to be played today.

Alvarez said a decision will be made on Tuesday regarding whether Wisconsin will be able to move forward in its next scheduled game against the Purdue Boilermakers. Head coach Paul Chryst was among those who have tested positive, and his earliest possible return date is the day of the game on Nov. 7.

With the tight schedule for the 2020 Big Ten season already in place, and one game already that’s been canceled, the Badgers might not be able to play for a conference championship simply because they don’t compete in enough games. It’s something to keep an eye on as the season draws to a close.