MADISON – The bye week didn’t completely clear Wisconsin of its injury issues, but significant progress was made.
According to the Big Ten’s initial availability report for the Badgers' game at UCLA Oct. 17, only one player is listed as out (cornerback Cai Bates) and one is listed as doubtful (running back Nate Palmer).
The biggest concern for Wisconsin going into the game, fifth-year center Austin Kawecki, is considered questionable for the matchup, which will be played at the Rose Bowl with a 6:30 p.m. (Central) kick off time.
Senior running back Abu Sama is considered probable after missing the second half at Penn State Sept. 26 and the entire Michigan State game Oct. 3.
Also, according to the report, receiver Jaylon Domingeaux is likely to make his season debut.
The senior transfer from FCS Southeastern Louisiana showed promise during the spring and fall camp before suffering a hand injury during fall camp.
“He's a super hard worker,” quarterback Colton Joseph said Oct. 13. “You ask him to do something, he'll do it and I'm just super excited to get him back, fresh legs, get out there (and he'll) run it hard. I'm confident he'll make any play down the field the task of them.”
For UCLA, quarterback Nico Iamaleava (leg) is out as expected, while starters Rod Pleasant (cornerback) and Jordan Davis (tackle) are considered questionable.
Here is the complete report:
Wisconsin Badgers
Out: cornerback Cai Bates.
Doubtful: running back Nate Palmer.
Questionable: center Austin Kawecki.
Probable: running back Abu Sama, receiver Jaylon Domingeaux.
UCLA Bruins
Out: defensive back Tao Johnson, receiver Mikey Matthews, receiver Jonah Smith, offensive line Sam Yoon.
Questionable: defensive back Rodrick Pleasant, defensive line Ashton Sanders, tackle Jordan Davis.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin WR Jaylon Domingeaux, RB Abu Sama nearing return from injury