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The Wisconsin Badgers were dealt a blow to their defensive depth chart just hours before their season opener against Penn State. Starting inside linebacker Leo Chenal confirmed via Instagram that he will miss today’s game due to a positive COVID test. He will also miss next week’s home matchup against Eastern Michigan.
Wisconsin starting inside linebacker Leo Chenal announces on his Instagram page that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the Badgers' next two games. Big blow for Wisconsin's defense. pic.twitter.com/nNy4vpGMiw
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 4, 2021
The junior was set to begin his second year as a starter in Madison. Last season, he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades by posting 46 tackles, six TFLs, three sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. His 13 tackle performance in the Paul Bunyan Axe rivalry game against Minnesota earned him national accolades as he was named the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week right before Christmas.
Paul Chryst, Jim Leonhard, and the Badger staff will now most likely turn to sophomore Tatum Grass, who was listed right behind Chenal on the depth chart. The Badgers enters today’s noon kickoff at Camp Randall as a 5.5-point favorite.