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Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph had a throwing-arm issue that kept him from throwing Tuesday and limited Wednesday work before Western Illinois. Luke Fickell did not plan extra backup opportunities solely for health against Eastern Michigan; he still wants designed runs and scrambles available. This was not a full-clearance announcement.

Wisconsin's Malachi Coleman's status remained unknown after hitting his head on the turf. Fickell noted he returned to the field and was vocal in the huddle, but said the staff still needed to find out more. That observation does not establish a diagnosis, clearance or availability for Eastern Michigan.

Wisconsin's Emerson Mandell had no confirmed return date. Fickell hoped to increase his practice involvement that week and work him into the mix approaching Big Ten play, but still needed an update and to see what he could do. Treat the plan as a possible progression, not an announced return.

Fickell liked Wisconsin's offensive-line physicality and Kevin Heywood's progress in his second game back after missing most of camp and the prior season. He still wanted cleaner center snaps and more from PJ. Negative-yardage plays usually stopped drives against Western Illinois, and sustaining execution after fast starts remained a concern.

Wisconsin DL DeNigel Cooper added weight to roughly 280-285 pounds and gives the larger interior linemen a quicker changeup, with Fickell identifying pass rush as an early role. The defense had forced no turnovers through two games; attacking and dislodging the ball remained a stated emphasis, not a guaranteed turnover rebound.