By The Associated Press

No. 13 Wisconsin expects to return to play Saturday at Michigan after canceling its last two games due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the team.

“We feel confident that we have a handle on the situation and are excited to play this week at Michigan,” athletic director Barry Alvarez said Monday. “As we have done throughout, we will continue to monitor our testing results and base our decision on those results.”

Wisconsin officials said they have five active COVID-19 cases involving three staff members and two players. Five of the last six days have resulted in no positive tests. One staffer and one player have tested positive over the last week.

The Badgers have resumed regular game-week preparations and practiced Monday.

“Certainly it’s good to be back,” coach Paul Chryst said.

Wisconsin (1-0) hasn’t played since a season-opening 45-7 victory over Illinois on Oct. 23. The Badgers canceled games at Nebraska and at home with Purdue over the last two weeks.

Michigan would be the first team to face Wisconsin since the outbreak.

“I wouldn’t say I have any concerns,” Michigan defensive end Taylor Upshaw said shortly after the announcement. “I hope we get to play. I’m excited.”

There’s a possibility the Badgers might have quarterback Graham Mertz available against Michigan (1-2). Mertz went 20 of 21 and tied a school record by throwing five touchdown passes against Illinois in his first career start but tested positive afterward.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that Mertz’s positive test came Oct. 24. Players who test positive can’t play for at least 21 days under Big Ten protocols, with that 21-day period starting the day they test positive. Saturday’s game would come after the window for anyone who tested positive on Oct. 24.

As recently as last week, Wisconsin had 27 active COVID-19 cases involving 15 players and 12 staffers. Chryst also tested positive at one point, though he said Monday he “didn’t have a lot of symptoms.”