Wisconsin linemen Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood face game-time decisions

Wisconsin offensive linemen Emerson Mandell and Kevin Heywood remain questionable for the Badgers' season opener against Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. Both players returned to limited practice reps recently, but head coach Luke Fickell confirmed their status for the game remains uncertain. Mandell has been sidelined since spring following foot surgery, while Heywood has been out since the start of fall camp due to injury. The coaching staff is evaluating their progress throughout the week to determine if they can contribute against the Fighting Irish. In the event both players are unavailable, Wisconsin has utilized backups Stylz Blackmon, Blake Cherry, and Lucas Simmons-Johansson during practice. Because the Big Ten availability reporting rule applies only to conference matchups, no formal status update on the starters will be provided before Saturday’s kickoff.

• 10:14 PMYahoo Sports — Luke Fickell provides latest injury updates on 2 starters ahead of Week 1