Sam Pittman discusses future status of Taurean Carter, Jalen Catalon

Injuries have hit Arkansas hard this season, especially on defense. Safety Jalen Catalon and defensive lineman Taurean Carter are two players who have been affected, with Catalon already ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury.

As for Carter, he suffered a knee injury in the spring and has not played all season. Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman was asked about both players in Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, saying that he expects Carter to return to action later this year.

“On Taurean Carter, we probably would be fortunate to get him back somewhere around the last two regular season games to maybe as late as the bowl game,” Pittman said. “I think we’ll definitely get him back if we qualify for a bowl, but we’re trying to press for the last couple of games of the year. We’ll see how that works but that would be probably the earliest.”

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A redshirt junior, Carter recorded 24 tackles and a sack in 13 games last season. Arkansas could certainly use his experience up front, as they currently rank 13th in the SEC in total defense with 457.7 yards allowed per game.

Unlike Taurean Carter, Jalen Catalon will not return this season, but there is still the question of his status for next year in Fayetteville. The safety was receiving buzz as a potential late first-round pick this offseason, but his injury could cause him to slip down boards.

However, Pittman was unable to offer a clear answer on whether Catalon will be back next season.

“I don’t really know,” the coach said. “I don’t think he’s decided what he wants to do yet. I don’t think he’s made the decision on what he wants to do. I did speak with him yesterday.”

Catalon also suffered a season-ending injury in 2021, and has played just seven games over the past two seasons. Those injury concerns could make it a wise decision for him to return in 2023 for a chance to play a full year.

Arkansas is off to a 4-3 start this season and has a bye in Week 8 before facing Auburn at 11 a.m. CT on Oct. 29.