Joel Stave Injury: Updates on Wisconsin QB's Head and Return

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave left the team’s Week 8 game against the Illinois Fighting Illini with a head injury, according to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN. 

Continue for updates.

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Stave Ruled Out for Remainder of Game

Saturday, Oct. 24

The Badgers announced Stave would not return to Saturday’s game. The senior left three plays into Wisconsin’s second offensive drive after being sacked by Illini linebacker Carroll Phillips, according to StatBroadcast.com.

Backup Bart Houston took over for Stave and finished the half 12-of-18 for 140 yards with a touchdown and interception. Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal noted Houston showed poise in his early performance:

Stave is a three-year starter who’s amassed 1,708 yards and eight touchdowns with a 62.3 completion percentage in seven games this season. As such, Houston, a junior, hasn’t seen much playing time in his tenure. Entering Week 8, he’d completed a career seven passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns, mostly in games that were already decided. 

The unranked Badgers sit at 5-2, and the only remaining threat on their Big 10 schedule is Northwestern, whom they meet on Nov. 21. Depending on the extent of Stave’s injury, Houston could be under center again in Week 9 against Rutgers.