FAYETTEVILLE — Half of Arkansas’ media guide cover stars laid on the turf in pain Thursday during the Razorbacks’ first day in full pads.

Peyton Hillis got up in good shape; Marcus Monk didn’t.

The official prognosis on Monk, the team’s record-setting receiver, wasn’t known immediately after practice, but Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt, citing a report from trainer Dean Weber, said Monk might have torn cartilage in his right knee.

Monk is expected to undergo an MRI today.

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“We had a good practice, but it’s hard to feel good when 85 walks off the field,” Nutt said.

Asked the likely scenario if torn cartilage is the prognosis, Nutt said: “With the way doctors are now and the surgery, no longer than two weeks, so it should be great. That’s what you’re hoping and praying for.”

Hillis was laid out, the breath knocked out of him, after catching a pass over the middle. The senior fullback got up a few minutes later and returned during team work.

Sophomore tight end Ben Cleveland was yet another skill player on the injury list, favoring a shoulder he hurt while blocking. Team officials said he aggravated a pre-existing nerve injury between his shoulder and neck, otherwise known as a stinger.

Monk’s injury came during a team period when safety Michael Grant delivered a hard tackle just as the 6-6 senior hauled in a pass over the middle. Monk limped away, then went down behind the offense as Arkansas defenders praised Grant for the hit, not knowing the extent of Monk’s injury.

“I never meant to hurt one of my teammates, but it’s football,” Grant said. “They want us to compete. We’ve got to go out there and compete.”

Monk, who owns the Arkansas record with 24 career touchdown receptions, eventually limped to the end of the practice field and lay on a table by the Walker Pavilion, attended by Weber and other medical personnel.

Nutt made two trips to check on his star receiver, and team doctor John Park arrived to check on the injury as Monk walked stiffly off the field without assistance.

“Yesterday [the defenders ] weren’t aggressive enough, and that’s a fine line. That’s what’s tough,” Nutt said. “We’ve got to take care of each other, especially the playmakers.”