Wisconsin Tight End Tucker Ashcraft to Miss Remainder of Fall Camp

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin suffered another injury during Tuesday’s fall camp practice. According to team officials, junior tight end Tucker Ashcraft is dealing with a lower body injury and was not present during Thursday’s practice. Ashcraft will be shut down for the rest of camp.

During Tuesday’s practice, Ashcraft later emerged on crutches. As a sophomore, Ashcraft was Wisconsin’s leading receiver at the tight end position. He caught 12 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in 2024. In the last two seasons, Ashcraft owns 20 catches for 168 yards and a pair of scores.

Struggling with drops and penalties last season, Ashcraft appeared to have put those behind him, putting together a productive spring and fall camp.

“Last year was a humbling experience,” said Ashcraft. “I’m just coming out this year with a new mentality, new mindset. Going out and attacking every ball that comes my way.”

Ashcraft is the third injury to a starter in fall camp. Senior center Jake Renfro (lower leg) is expected to miss at least another week, if not more. On Monday, starting quarterback and senior Billy Edwards Jr. collided knee-to-knee with a defender and did not return to practice. Edwards said after practice he was fine, but did not take part in team drills on Tuesday. Sources also tell Badger Blitz that Edwards isn’t expected to miss any substantial time and could play today if needed.

Without Ashcraft, Where Does Wisconsin Turn at Tight End?

The off-season portal addition of Lance Mason now becomes vital. The Missouri State transfer and reigning third-team FCS All-American was already emerging in fall camp as the likely starter. The Badgers have numerous multiple tight end sets. Senior Jackson Acker is a projected starter, but should Ashcraft miss time during the season, expect redshirt freshman Grant Stec to get a bump into the starting lineup. Stec, a former four-star recruit, did not appear in any games last season for Wisconsin.

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