Arkansas injury update: Sam Pittman shares latest on Rodney Hill, Ja'Quinden Jackson

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman shared an injury update on a pair of running backs, Rodney Hill and Ja’Quinden Jackson, ahead of the Ole Miss game.

Both Hill and Jackson have been on the mend from injuries and it previously looked like Hill would be able to play in Week 9’s Mississippi State game, he didn’t record a carry. Neither did Jackson and now Pittman is hoping to get them back for another test in the SEC.

“I think Rodney will be available,” Sam Pittman said on the SEC teleconference. “We’ll probably put him as questionable, probable today. JJ will probably be doubtful on that list today.”

It was a similar report to what Pittman said last week of his running backs. Hill is closer to being ready to go than Jackson is. However, he’s still not ready to rule either one available or out for the game. So, for the time being, the injury reports are going to indicate where they’re at as a pair.

Jackson has been dealing with an ankle injury that he re-aggravated against LSU. That came back in Week 8 and he hasn’t been able to get healthy enough to play since then. For his part, Hill has been dealing with a concussion that he suffered back in September.

Prior to coming to Arkansas, Jackson spent time with Texas and Utah and played quarterback before transitioning to running back. 2024 has been his only season with the Razorbacks, rushing for 592 yards and 10 touchdowns on 104 carries. He’s also caught 11 passes for 125 yards.

Similarly, Rodney Hill is a transfer in his first season with the Arkansas program, having spent time at Florida State. He’s been more limited this season, but does have 15 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also has six receptions for 32 yards.

Arkansas has four games remaining this season. That includes three games against SEC opponents who are currently ranked in the Top 25 of the AP Poll. So, getting those running backs back is going to be massive for the Razorbacks in November.

Sam Pittman confirms Tyrus Washington, Var’keyes Gumms are no longer with Arkansas

On Monday, Sam Pittman confirmed that two tight ends, Tyrus Washington and Var’keyes Gumms are no longer with the Arkansas football program.

“They’re not on the team. There was no suspension,” Pittman said. “They’re gone. Yeah, they’re not on the team. Tyrus Washington and Gumms, yeah.”

Prior to their dismissal, it had been rumored that the pair would instead face a suspension. Pittman did not elaborate on why they were removed from the team, though the impact of losing two more offensive players is still going to be felt.