# Badgers Injury Report Threatens O-Line Against Iowa

> Wisconsin's offensive line faces uncertainty as Barrett Nelson's injury report jeopardizes their Week 9 matchup with Iowa.
- Title: Badgers Injury Report Threatens O-Line Against Iowa | Shortify
- Summary: Wisconsin's offensive line faces uncertainty as Barrett Nelson's injury report jeopardizes their Week 9 matchup with Iowa. Wisconsin's offensive line may…
- Keywords: wisconsin badgers, barrett nelson, nfl, iowa, offensive line, colton joseph, running back, nate palmer, heartland trophy, rushing defense, sports, Badgers
- Source: Wisconsin Badgers On SI — https://si.com/college/wisconsin/football/badgers-latest-injury-report-throws-a-wrench-in-their-o-line-plans-vs-iowa
- Published: 2026-10-29T15:06:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wisconsin badgers, barrett nelson, nfl, iowa, offensive line, colton joseph, running back, nate palmer, heartland trophy, rushing defense, sports
## Wisconsin O-Line Status
Wisconsin's offensive line has been a continuous work-in-progress throughout the 2026 campaign with 12 players seeing field and eight playing at least 60 snaps.
## Injury Report Update
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Barrett Nelson, who started at right guard in Week 8 against USC, is listed as doubtful ahead of Week 9's Iowa game.
## Nelson's Role
Nelson replaced PJ Wilkins, who was tried at three positions before being removed from the starting lineup.
## Backup Plan
If Nelson is unavailable, Wisconsin may force backup center Ryan Cory to start over Stylz Blackmon.
## Two O-Line Options
Option A: Kevin Heywood, Colin Cubberly, Blackmon, Wilkins, Emerson Mandell. Option B: Heywood, Cubberly, Cory, Blackmon, Mandell.
## Blake Cherry's Status
Arkansas transfer Blake Cherry has played 38 snaps at right guard against Notre Dame and 19 against Western Illinois but hasn't seen action since.
## Iowa's Threat
Iowa ranks fifth nationally in rushing defense, allowing 82.9 yards per game, making the Badgers' running game critical for victory.
## Key takeaway

Wisconsin's offensive line may have to revert to backup center Ryan Cory if Barrett Nelson is injured, risking their ability to run the ball against Iowa's strong rushing defense.