Wisconsin Football Camp: Valai Latest Injury in Long List on Defense

For the Badgers to have any hopes of success this season, the defense has to stay healthy and be semi-decent.

Signs during practice have indicated they are more than capable of being decent, but staying healthy his been another story.

Senior safety Jay Valai is the latest Badger to miss practice due to injury. Valai sat out Wednesday's practice with a wrap around his knee, but coach Brett Bielema told the media he sat out due to a concussion.

"That was a knee thing," Bielema said. "But that was just...the thing that is keeping him out now is the (concussion)...

"I think Jay will be back sooner than later."

Valai joins defensive tackle Jordan Kohout (knee), linebacker Mike Taylor (knee), and linebacker Blake Sorensen (knee) on the growing list of injured defensive starters.

Kohout tweaked his knee August 11, but is scheduled for a possible return Thursday or Friday.

Taylor had surgery on his right knee Tuesday night, but is expected to be ready for the September 4 opener against UNLV.

Sorensen was filling Taylor's position, but has missed the last four practices; he is also expected to return later this week.

Notes

Freshmen—Bielema mentioned several freshmen who would see playing time this season: tailback James White, tight end Sherard Cadogan, wide receiver Manessah Garner, defensive tackle Beau Allen, and linebacker Josh Harrison.

Clay—Running back John Clay showed no signs of rust yesterday, running over one player on an 11-yard rush and showing a good burst during the "Inside Run Drill."

Wide Receivers—Redshirt freshman Jared Abbrederis made a spectacular one-handed catch along the sideline in one-on-one coverage for a 30-yard gain; David Gilreath made a leaping catch in single-coverage as well as a touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone.