KJ Jefferson updates comfort throwing the ball after rest period

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson got banged up in the first half of the season and even missed time as a result. However, coming out of the bye week and into a ‘personal’ matchup on the road against Auburn, he is refreshed and looking forward to getting back on the field.

Head coach Sam Pittman took the recovery portion of the bye week very seriously, telling KJ Jefferson he would not be allowed to throw over the bye week before working his way back into rhythm on game week. The star quarterback updated his comfort with the ball back in his hands over the past few days during his most recent media session.

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“The first day it kind of got back to me,” said Jefferson. “Just being able to throw again, my arm kind of tightened up on me because I ain’t been throwing. But now, the rest and recovery – just my arm – from me throwing so much, to get that time off has truly helped me out. So just being able to come out there fresh, and have fun, and throw the ball around.”

Jefferson then went on to detail the overall help the bye week provided him and his teammates as they looked to recharge and prepare for the final stretch of games.

“For me it was great,” said Jefferson. “Just being able to have some time off and just be able to rest my body and just recover. And actually take a whole week off to not be able to hit and focus on contact and everything. So being able to just lay back and actually relax and get our bodies and minds right to prep for a big game.”

KJ Jefferson takes off bye week

During his media availability, Sam Pittman mentioned that receiver Jadon Haselwood and quarterback KJ Jefferson did not practice during the bye week. Both are dealing with shoulder injuries, but should be available to play Saturday.

However, Pittman also added that Haselwood will continue wearing a green non-contact jersey in practice this week.

“It was his shoulder,” Pittman said. “I think it’ll be a nagging thing with him probably throughout the year. However, I think he feels a lot better. But we’ll probably still have him in the green at practice. (Jefferson) didn’t throw the football last week. I can’t remember the game. I want to say it might’ve been going into A&M on Thursday. Threw a ball and didn’t finish practice. It’s been nagging him a bit so we decided not to throw him in last week. I anticipate him being ready to go.”

Arkansas is 4-3 so far this season, and will hope to get healthy as it looks to improve upon that record over the final five games. The Razorbacks will kick off against Auburn at 11 a.m. CT Saturday on the road.