The only remaining sign of Austin Traylor’s five-game absence is the massive scar that spans nearly the entire length of his right forearm.

Traylor had surgery to rectify the forearm he broke against Iowa Oct. 3. Traylor said Tuesday he was “definitely” going to play against No. 20 Northwestern Saturday on Senior Day.

“Obviously it’s a special day for the seniors,” Traylor said. “More importantly, it’s just another game to focus on.”

The fifth-year tight end expected to be back at some point this season. In fact, there was a discussion between himself and the coaching staff on whether he could play against Maryland Oct. 24. But they came to the consensus that taking advantage of the extra week of rest during the bye week would be wise.

“I know he’s been itching to get back out there,” UW quarterback Joel Stave said.

And it’s not just Traylor who’s looking to get back out there. He was a big piece in Stave’s passing game throughout the beginning of the season. Before he went down, Traylor caught three touchdown passes and accumulated 110 receiving yards.

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Stave said he hopes to see the same Traylor on the field for the final two games of the season.

“I think what he was able to do at the beginning of the year was really big for us,” Stave said. “I’m excited to see what he’ll be able to do.”

During his absence, redshirt sophomore Troy Fumagalli filled in admirably and the team went 5-0.

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Traylor said he doesn’t feel like he took a step back because of his time out and can contribute immediately once he gets back in the game. Since it was an arm injury, he kept his conditioning level high and hasn’t been winded at all during practice, much to the pleasure of the strength and conditioning coaches, he said.

“I know he is excited, and we’re excited to have him back in practice,” Chryst said. “It was fun just getting him and having him run around.”

Traylor insisted he’s over the injury both mentally and physically. To prove that to himself, he started light catching three weeks after surgery, and now he’s at full speed.

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Come Saturday, when emotions are running high with the pregame ceremonies honoring the seniors, Traylor said his focus remains on the game.

“You live that moment later,” Traylor said. “You got to make it a special moment by being in the moment, playing in the game and winning.”