Sam Pittman addresses latest status of Rocket Sanders

Raheim “Rocket” Sanders did not play last week but is back at Arkansas practice, according to head coach Sam Pittman. 

Sanders suffered a knee injury in the season opener and last week’s Mississippi State game was the fifth time he missed a game this year. It was also the second straight game he did not suit up.

He could be back though after Pittman was uncertain of his status for the rest of the year. However, Sanders’ status is still to-be-determined.

“Well, he’s back,” Pittman said. “We’ll see. I anticipate him practicing today, but how much can he do? I don’t know. I’ll know more about that when I talk on Wednesday. I’ll know more about that because obviously I don’t know where he is physically.”

In three games this season, Sanders has 34 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns. In 2022, Sanders was a beast, running 222 times for 1,443 yards, 10 touchdowns and 6.5 yards per carry, as well as 28 catches for 271 yards and two scores.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Sanders was a four-star recruit out of Rockledge (Fla.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 46 overall prospect in the state, the No. 15 athlete in the class and the No. 315 overall prospect in the class.

Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders return won’t solve all problems

As a result of Sanders’ injury, Arkansas has gone from ranking second in the SEC with 236.7 yards rushing per game in 2022 to ranking 12th with just 109.9 this season. Against Alabama earlier this month, the Razorbacks managed just 100 yards on the ground for an average of 2.8 yards per carry.

Even before Pittman and Arkansas dropped to 2-6 amid struggles and injuries, ESPN’s Paul Fineabum said the head coach was in a lot of trouble. Offensive coordinator Dan Enos was already fired.

“He has to be in a lot of trouble,” Finebaum said. “I say that reluctantly. If you know Sam Pittman, you genuinely love this guy. Some coaches you like, you respect. He’s the guy you want next door. He would do anything for you. But, this is his fourth season. He had a transition year. He had a really good year. Last year was a mess. This year is a disaster.”

Arkansas returns to the field Saturday on the road against Florida.