Sam Pittman provides extensive availability, injury update ahead of Mississippi State game

Arkansas is dealing with a laundry list of banged up and injured players heading into a game against Mississippi State prior to a week off. And head coach Sam Pittman had a number of updates on his various injured players.

Notably, he didn’t have much to offer on running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, who missed last Saturday’s loss to Alabama — it’s the latest among many games this season that Sanders has missed as he deals with knee swelling. Pittman didn’t have a substantive update on Sanders, but did speak to a handful of other injured players on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.

Currently, linebacker Chris Paul Jr., cornerback Dwight McGlothern, defensive lineman Cameron Ball and defensive back Jaylon Braxton are banged up for the Razorbacks.

Pittman noted it’s about time where if McGlothern — who has the nickname “Nudie” — can practice at a high-enough level, he needs to be out on the field.

“I think Nudie’s getting closer, as well. Hopefully he can do some non-contact type practice today and that’s still kind of a little bit up in the air, as well. But hopefully he can and if he does, he’ll be available on Saturday. It’s getting close to be time where if he’s able to practice — he’s got today, no later than tomorrow, really he needs to practice today if he’s going to be available,” Pittman said.

As for Braxton and Paul, Pittman was optimistic about their outlook to play this week.

“I feel good about it. Obviously we have a couple days left, but as long as everything goes fine, I feel good that they’ll be able to play,” he said.

And if Arkansas can get one of Braxton or McGlothern back this week, Pittman thinks it could go a long way to aiding the Razorbacks’ defensive depth. Pittman did say McGlothern will likely be limited if he does play.

“He hasn’t practiced. So, his role on Saturday would be very limited. Obviously, your depth gets better when he gets back. I’ve been very, very pleased. I think the one we got back this week, Braxton, is what we really need because he was starting when he hurt himself. Nudie would certainly help us in the depth department if we were to get him back,” Pittman said.

As for Ball? Pittman said he’s doing fine heading into the game.

“He’s fine. He’s practiced all week. I believe he’ll be fine,” Pittman said.