Sam Pittman updates status of injured defensive players

It has been a tough season for Arkansas as the Razorbacks are sitting at 3-7 heading into Saturday’s game against FIU. Injuries have certainly contributed to the struggles for Sam Pittman‘s club this year.

Pittman provided an update on multiple defenders during his meeting with the media on Wednesday. He was asked specifically about defensive back Jaylon Braxton, defensive back Jaheim Singletary and defensive lineman Jashaud Stewart.

“Jashaud probably won’t play. Braxton, he’s practiced, been in green. I don’t know if he’ll be healthy enough to play or not. Singletary’s practiced as well,” Sam Pittman said. “I don’t think he’s full speed yet, but we still have a lot of time. But he’s practiced. He’ll probably be more game time [decision based on] what he does in warm-ups and all that.”

Of the three, it sounds as if Jaheim Singletary is the most likely to suit up on Saturday for Arkansas.

“Braxton’s probably the furthest. Him and Stew are probably the furthest away,” Pittman said. “I don’t think Stew will be able to play but I believe Braxton might have an opportunity to.”

Singletary has appeared in nine games this season for the Razorbacks, while making three starts. He has recorded 14 tackles and four pass breakups.

Braxton has appeared in nine games this season, making six starts. So far this season, he has 20 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown and eight pass breakups.

Stewart has appeared in five games this season, recording seven tackles, including two tackles for loss.

In addition to dealing with injuries this season, Stewart also battled injuries last season as a junior at Arkansas. He played in 10 games, making six starts, while finishing with 14 tackles and two sacks.

Sam Pittman and the Arkansas staff are working to keep Stewart healthier moving forward.

“I hate it. What a great kid. A kid from Arkansas, loves the Hogs. Just it seemed like one nagging injury after another. Hamstrings, groin pulls, things of that nature,” Pittman said. “It happened last year, as well, so we’ve been working on his flexibility and things of that nature. But he’s strung tight, now. We know that and we’ve tried to work with some massage folks and stretching and all that stuff and just been unfortunate for him.”

If Braxton, Singletary and Stewart are unable to play for Arkansas this weekend against FIU, perhaps they will be ready for the season finale the following week.

Arkansas closes out the 2023 season on Friday, Nov. 24 against Missouri.