FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior defensive end Jake Bequette will not play Saturday at Alabama, Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino said Thursday.
Bequette injured a hamstring in the first quarter of Arkansas' game against New Mexico two weeks ago and missed the Razorbacks' game last week against Troy. Petrino said he is hopeful Bequette will be available next week against Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
"It's unfortunate," Petrino said. "He made huge improvement throughout the whole week but he didn't quite get ready to practice. I'm encouraged, though, with how much improvement he made.
"It's really hard for him. He hasn't missed games and is a guy that works out year-round, and is in great physical shape. But the hamstring needs to heal before he can get back out there."
Bequette, a team captain, was a preseason first team all-SEC selection. He has recorded five tackles, one sack and a forced fumble in his limited playing time this season.
Sophomore defensive end Chris Smith will start in place of Bequette against the Crimson Tide. Smith recorded four tackles and a sack in the Razorbacks' 38-28 win over Troy last weekend.
"I thought he did a good job," Petrino said. "He got a nice sack and played real hard. His athleticism really showed up and his ability to change directions and run down the line. He didn't always make the play but didn't allow a cutback or a place for the running back to run."