MADISON – The Wisconsin football team is on track to get back a key piece of its offensive line.
Fifth-year center Austin Kawecki is listed as probable on the initial availability report for the Badgers' game against USC on Saturday night, Oct. 24 at Camp Randall Stadium (6:30 p.m. kickoff). Kawecki didn’t play at UCLA on Oct. 17 due to a hand injury.
That was the good news for UW on the report, however two key players are considered questionable: fifth-year cornerback Javan Robinson and senior receiver Malachi Coleman.
This marks the first time this season Robinson has been on the report. He is the team’s best corner and a player who ranks third on the defense in total snaps.
Meanwhile, the news for USC was who wasn’t on the report.
Two starting offensive lineman, tackle Elijah Paige and guard Hayden Treter, are not listed, which means they are healthy to play. Paige missed the Penn State game. Treter has been out the last two contests.
Starting tight end Mark Bowman, who missed the last two games, is considered questionable as top defensive lineman Jide Abasiri.
Here is the complete availability report for the game.
Wisconsin Badgers
Out: cornerback Cai Bates
Doubtful: running back Nate Palmer
Questionable: cornerback Javan Robinson, receiver Malachi Coleman.
Probable: center Austin Kawecki.
USC Trojans
Out: receiver Terrell Anderson, receiver Corey Simms, safety Kendarius Reddick, linebacker Taylor “Taybo” Johnson, linebacker Roman Marchetti; offensive lineman Killian O’Conner.
Questionable: tight end Mark Bowman; receiver Luc Weaver; defensive tackle Jide Abasiri.
Probable: defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart, linebacker Jadyn Walker.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin center Austin Kawecki nears return from hand injury