MADISON — A late kick by redshirt freshman Philip Welch has secured for him most of the kicking duties heading into the opener against Akron Saturday.

UW coach Bret Bielema said after Thursday's practice, Welch will handle the opening kickoff, extra-point attempts and field-goal attempts. Junior Matt Fischer could be worked in on kickoffs and also on field goals, depending how the game goes.
Bielema said earlier, he was leaning toward using Fischer on kickoffs. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who works with the punters and kickers, met with Bielema Monday night and they decided to outline the roles to the kickers the following day.

Welch made all seven field-goal attempts in Thursday's practice, Bielema said.

''He has really, I think, taken a huge step forward,'' Bielema said. ''It's really helped him confidence-wise knowing he's got the job secured.''

Bielema had talked about using Fischer for shorter field-goal attempts. But Welch recently disputed the notion he was not as accurate as Fischer.

''I'm just as accurate as him on short (attempts), I just can hit the long balls,'' Welch said.

Injury updates

Fullback Chris Pressley (broken thumb) and tight end Travis Beckum (hamstring) will be game-time decisions.

''I know those guys really want to play, but we're going to make a decision based on where they're at Saturday,'' Bielema said.

Senior linebacker Jonathan Casillas (sprained knee) will likely go through warmups but will not play unless there is a big change in his condition in the next 48 hours.

Freshman cornerback Antonio Fenelus (ankle) might play, but has been limited to individual work in practice.

Bielema hopes to have all of those players back full go next week. He also said on his radio show sophomore cornerback Aaron Henry (knee) could return next week.

Extra points

Freshman punter Brad Nortman has worked to improve his get-off times, which Bielema said were as high as 2.5 seconds when he first arrived. All of Nortman's punts this weel were below 2.1 seconds, Bielema said. ... Bielema said no conversation has taken place regarding a redshirt for junior Jake Bscherer, who is listed as the No. 2 left tackle. ... Dustin Sherer is the No. 2 quarterback but Bielema said Scott Tolzien could play, depending on the situation. ''Scott's really close, had a great week of camp,'' Bielema said. ''I'm excited to see what both those guys can do if they get that opportunity.'' ... Kyle Jefferson and David Gilreath will start at the receiver positions. Sophomore Maurice Moore will work in quickly for Jefferson, while Daven Jones and Nick Toon will also be in the rotation.

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