Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz awaiting confirmation of positive COVID-19 test – CBS Sports

Wisconsin redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently awaiting confirmation on a second test, a source has confirmed to CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd. Mertz made a splash on Friday night when he threw for 248 yards, five touchdowns and only tossed one incompletion in the season-opening 45-7 win over Illinois.

Should the positive result be confirmed via results of the ensuing PCR test, Mertz will be required to sit out for three weeks according to the coronavirus protocols instituted by the Big Ten upon its return to play. He will also have to undergo extensive cardiac testing to investigate any long-term conditions that could arise from COVID-19 including myocarditis.

Wisconsin later released a statement on Sunday event reiterating that it would not release information regarding specific student-athletes.

"Wisconsin Athletics will not be releasing COVID-related testing information regarding any individual student-athlete, due to medical privacy," the statement read. "We will continue to follow Big Ten Conference COVID-19 protocols developed by the Big Ten medical subcommittee and approved by the conference's presidents and chancellors."

The school did say that there were no individuals who tested positive for antigen tests or had COVID-19 symptoms prior to Friday night's game.

The absence of Mertz, assuming he is out, would put enormous pressure on redshirt sophomore backupChase Wolf. Wisconsin will play at Nebraska, vs. Purdue and at No. 13 Michigan over the next three weeks. Wolf completed the only pass he attempted last season a three-yarder in the 61-0 win over Central Michigan in Week 2.

The arrival of Mertz as a star was enormous for the Badgers, who lost returning starter Jack Coan to a foot injury during fall camp. Mertz was a four-star quarterback and the No. 65 overall player in the Class of 2019, and has been touted as the "quarterback of the future" in Madison since he signed on the dotted line.

Read the original here:

Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz awaiting confirmation of positive COVID-19 test - CBS Sports

Related Posts
Tags: