Sam Pittman provides update on Raheim Sanders ahead of Florida game

One of Arkansas‘ biggest stars has been limited for most of the season, with running back Raheim Sanders sidelined since early October due to a knee injury.

There’s a chance that could change this week against Florida, with a more optimistic outlook provided by head coach Sam Pittman on Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call.

“There’s a chance that he’ll be available,” Pittman said. “He has practiced, Monday and Tuesday. Limited basis, but he has practiced. So we’re hoping that he’ll be available on Saturday.”

Sanders has played in just three games this season and has never really gotten rolling, failing to top the 100-yard mark in any outing.

He’s got 34 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns, as well as seven catches for 58 yards.

But Sanders’ potential is far beyond what those numbers might suggest. He’s already proven it as one of the league’s best rushers in 2022. Sanders was an absolute monster last season.

The Arkansas tailback tallied 1,426 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. He also added 28 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

Suffice it to say, having Raheim Sanders available against Florida would be a welcomed boost for an Arkansas team desperately searching for a spark.

Arkansas adapting to new coordinator change

One thing Arkansas will be hoping helps spark the team is a change made at offensive coordinator. Pittman fired Dan Enos and tapped Kenny Guiton to lead the unit the rest of the way.

But it’s unclear how players are doing with the change just yet.

“Hard to say. I think there’s a little different feel in the building,” Sam Pittman said. “I think everybody has taken to Coach [Kenny] Guiton. I think everybody is excited for him.”

Pittman decided to part ways with Enos after only scoring three points in a loss to Mississippi State. This led to the Razorbacks’ bye week and another SEC game, this one against Florida.

“Obviously, I think we’ve got some bumps and bruises healed up a little bit better than what we had before. It’d be hard to say. I’ll know a little bit more how we adjust to the new offense and things of that nature – or the less offense, I guess would be the better way to say it. We’ll know more about that as the week progresses, I think.”