Despite groin ailment, Badgers' Clement plans to play
MADISON -- Wisconsin running back Corey Clement wasn't in pads at practice Tuesday due to a groin injury but expects to play Saturday when the Badgers host Miami in their home opener.
It's yet to be determined if he'll start and how many snaps he'll take.
"I'm planning to play and that's the mindset you have to have," Clement said. "You don't want to say 'I don't want to play because I don't want to get reinjured.'"
Clement rushed for 949 yards and nine touchdowns last season and has averaged 7 yards per carry in his career.
But a groin injury suffered in practice last Tuesday limited him to 10 plays in a 35-17 loss to Alabama last Saturday. Clement was held to 16 yards on eight carries and two catches for 19 yards.
"They're leaving it up to me. It's in my hands," Clement said. "That's where I have to be smart, mature and not only think of myself but for the betterment of the team.
"I want to come back and play this week, but I want them to feel comfortable and be able to rely on me to make the best decision for myself."
The running game produced just 40 yards in 21 attempts, but offensive coordinator and line coach Joe Rudolph said it is still a work in progress due to Clement's injury.
"I'm hoping just for him to get a little rhythm going. I hope that he is able to go," Rudolph said. "That I don't know. We'll see but I know it's been nagging him."
