FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is expected to miss the next three to four months because of a broken bone in his left foot, the University of Arkansas announced Wednesday night.

The junior-to-be broke the bone during conditioning drills Wednesday, according to a university news release. He's expected to miss spring practices.

“It is unfortunate since Ryan works extremely hard and has made a commitment to the Razorbacks,” Coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “I am confident in our athletic trainers and medical staff and believe they are the best in the country. Ryan is a strong competitor who I know will put all his effort into overcoming his injury and continuing to lead this team.”

Mallett set or tied 16 school records in his first year as Arkansas' starting quarterback last fall and turned heads along the way. He threw for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns with 7 interceptions in leading Arkansas to an 8-5 record and win in the Liberty Bowl. He was a second-team selection on the All-SEC teams picked by the media and league's coaches.

The Texarkana native and Michigan transfer announced he was staying at Arkansas for his junior season last month, ending speculation he would opt to enter the NFL Draft early.

Mallett is no stranger to injuries. He underwent surgery to tighten his left shoulder in January.

He injured the ring finger on his throwing hand in June after a mishap in the weight room and was sidelined for several weeks. Mallett also dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand during spring drills in 2008, when he sat out a season after transferring from Michigan.

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