Will Wisconsin RB Abu Sama III play vs Michigan State? What we know

MADISON – The status of one of Wisconsin football’s top offensive weapons is up in the air in the hours leading up to the Badgers’ Week 5 game against Michigan State.

First-team running back Abu Sama III was officially listed as a game-time decision on the Big Ten’s pregame availability report. That comes after ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Sama plans to warm up, but there is “pessimism about his ability to go.”

Sama exited the Penn State game with an upper-body injury and then was listed as questionable on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday availability reports.

If Sama cannot play, Darrion Dupree would be the Badgers’ most likely starter at running back. Dupree had 52 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards in UW’s 24-20 win over then-No. 14 Penn State in Week 4.

Sama was the only game-time decision for the Badgers. Cornerback Cai Bates, wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux, running back Mason Lane and offensive lineman Michael Roeske are listed as out.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Will Wisconsin RB Abu Sama III play vs Michigan State? What we know