Selman Bridges, Braylen Russell, Anthony Switzer injury update: Sam Pittman reveals status of Arkansas trio

Coming down the stretch of the 2024 season, the Arkansas Razorbacks are looking to finish strong. A major piece of that is going to be able to find a way to get healthy for their final two games.

While making his weekly appearance on the SEC teleconference, head coach Sam Pittman shared an update on a trio of Razorbacks; Braylen Russell, Selman Bridges, and Anthony Switzer ahead of this weekend’s game against Louisiana Tech.

“Bridges is back,” Sam Pittman said. “Russell is full speed. Has been all week. And Switzer is probably doubtful.”

Selman Bridges is a freshman defensive back for Arkansas who came to the program as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the 24th-ranked cornerback in that recruiting cycle. He recorded a pass break up in the season opener and had been seeing an increase in playing time before getting injured and missing time.

Another defensive back for Pittman and Arkansas is Anthony Switzer. He’s on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of experience as a redshirt senior. However, this is his first season with the Arkansas program, having previously played for Utah State and Arkansas State. However, he’s also missed time with injury issues and now it sounds like he is in doubt for the Louisiana Tech game.

Those injuries at defensive back are going to be tested by Louisiana Tech. This season, the Bulldogs are 62nd in the country in passing offense, averaging 232.2 yards per game.

Freshman running back Braylen Russell rounded out the injury update from Pittman. It sounds like he’ll be good to go after not getting any touches on Saturday. After that game, Pittman had noted that he missed time leading up to the game, forcing Arkansas to turn to other running backs.

This season, Russell is third overall and second among running backs at Arkansas in rushing yards, with 304 for the season. He’s averaging 6.5 yards per carry and has two touchdowns. Coming out of high school, he was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024. He was the 402nd-ranked player overall and the 30th-ranked running back in that recruiting cycle.

Arkansas will finish the season with a home game against Louisiana Tech. After that, the Razorbacks are going to end on the road against Missouri. As of now, Arkansas needs one more win to get to bowl-eligible for the season.