Sam Pittman updates health status of KJ Jefferson, multiple defensive backs

Arkansas had to face No. 16 Mississippi State without star QB KJ Jefferson, ultimately losing 40-17. Jefferson suffered a head injury the weekend prior against Alabama, but has returned to practice this week and will be available for the Razorbacks’ next matchup versus BYU. On Wednesday, Sam Pittman provided an update on how the veteran quarterback has practiced leading up to the Week 7 matchup.

“KJ’s really had a good week,” Pittman said. “He ran the two-minute drill and he did a nice job running the team with that.”

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Jefferson has accounted for over half of Arkansas’ total yards and touchdowns this season with his arm and legs, generating 1,408 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns in his five games played.

Reporters also asked Pittman about several defensive backs who sustained injuries in the first half of the season, but he didn’t reveal much. Safeties Khari Johnson and Jayden Johnson left the Mississippi State game and nickel/safety Myles Slusher didn’t travel due to a calf injury.

“I can’t update the secondary until possibly this afternoon,” Pittman said. “As you know, we’ve had three guys who haven’t practiced this week. We’ll see if they can practice today or not, depending on how they feel, or if they practice in a limited situation.”

Jordan Domineck, Hudson Clark on Jefferson: ‘He’s not holding back’

Jefferson’s defensive teammates Jordan Domineck and Hudson Clark both spoke about having him back at practice this week

“It’s a nice feeling to be able to see KJ back in there and make strides, be able to throw the ball well, he’s running well, he’s playing really well,” Domineck said.

“And then Malik (Hornsby), also knowing he’s still out there giving KJ competition, both of them are fighting for the QB1 spot right now. It’s just nice to know that we have to QBs that are really devoted to the team that are really willing to put their all onto the field just to be able to lead their side of the ball to victory, just be able to play, know their assignments,” Domineck added. “Honestly it’s great to have both of them out there and it’s just great to be able to go against that level of competition every day honestly.”

“I think you can see people come back from that injury, a head injury, and play a little hesitant and he’s gotten back in there he’s making the throws, he’s running the ball. So I think it’s gonna be a big help and key for us this week,” Clark said.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this report.