Badgers QB Graham Mertz awaiting confirmation on COVID-19 results

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- If you're waiting for confirmation Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz tested positive for COVID-19, you'll have to keep waiting. 

"I will not and cannot, and should not therefore comment on anything dealing with our testing and coronavirus," said Badgers Head Coach Paul Chryst. 

Coach Paul Chryst didn't give anything about Mertz away while Badgers fans hold their breath hoping for a false positive or wrong report. 

#Badgers coach Paul Chryst can’t really comment much on COVID, but says he does think this week’s game against Nebraska will be played.

— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) October 26, 2020

What we did learn from Chryst is that Saturday's game in Nebraska is still on. He's confident they'll play but safety is their first priority so they are ready to adjust. 

Read the full statement from the Badgers here: 

"Wisconsin Athletics continues to conduct daily antigen testing for the student-athletes, coaches and selected support staff associated with the Badger football program. Individuals who receive a negative antigen test result continue to participate in team activities. Individuals who receive a presumptive positive antigen test result are removed from team activities and are required to take a PCR test to confirm positivity. 

No student-athletes, coaches or support staff members who participated in Friday’s game against Illinois recorded positive antigen tests or reported having any symptoms on Friday prior to the game.

Per Big Ten Conference policy, all COVID-19 positive student-athletes must self-isolate for 10 days. Following their self-isolation period, they have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The earliest a student-athlete can return to game competition is 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.

Wisconsin Athletics will not be releasing COVID-related testing information regarding any individual student-athlete, due to medical privacy. We will continue to follow Big Ten Conference COVID-19 protocols developed by the Big Ten medical subcommittee and approved by the conference’s presidents and chancellors."