By: Jeff Potrykus (Journal Sentinel) —

Madison - As was the case at Michigan, it appears the University of Wisconsin will be without one of its top offensive players this week.

Junior tight end Garrett Graham, who did not play in the loss to the Wolverines because of slight fracture in his right foot, did not practice Wednesday or today and likely will not play Saturday against visiting Ohio State. Graham was again wearing a walking boot after practice today.

“He’s basically got a borderline fracture that was old and got aggravated in the Fresno game,” UW coach Bret Bielema said after practice, adding Graham would be a game-time decision. “They thought it would be a two to three week period for him to get back out (there)…

“If he can’t go this Saturday…we’d sit him out until next Tuesday and hopefully he’ll be good to go from there on out.”

Graham, who tends to be overshadowed because of the play of fellow tight end Travis Beckum, leads UW in receiving yards (154), touchdown receptions (three) and is tied for the team lead in receptions (11).

Meanwhile, Beckum has practiced all week and is expected to play against the Buckeyes.

Beckum missed UW’s first two games and sat out for three-plus quarters against the Wolverines because of a nagging right hamstring injury. He has six catches for 68 yards.

The absence of Graham should mean more playing time for sophomore Lance Kendricks.

Kendricks, from Milwaukee King, has five catches for 131 yards, 26.2 yards per catch. He made a spectacular catch on UW’s fourth-quarter touchdown drive in the loss to Michigan but earlier had two key drops.

Reserve wide receiver Maurice Moore, who did not play at Michigan because of a groin injury, has practiced this week and should play against the Buckeyes.

“We’re a lot healthier than we were a week ago,” Bielema said, “which makes us feel good.”

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