FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen didn't throw in Wednesday's practice, leaving the Razorbacks looking toward AJ Derby as their likely starting quarterback Saturday against No. 10 Texas A&M.
Allen hasn't gone through full practices since suffering a bruised shoulder on Sept. 14 against Southern Miss. The redshirt sophomore took some snaps in Tuesday's practice and worked on handoffs Wednesday, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said.
"Percentage-wise I would still say it’s about the same last week of him being able to roll Saturday," Bielema said. "(Tuesday) AJ and Austin Allen took all the reps during practice. But Brandon, there is a chance that he could be there Saturday. But for us to get to where we need to be, AJ will continue to take the reps."
Derby completed 14 of 26 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown in Arkansas' 28-24 loss at Rutgers over the weekend. The Razorbacks struggled to move the ball consistently in that game, finishing with a season-low 283 yards of total offense.
True freshman Austin Allen continues to practice with the second-team offense, Bielema said. Coaches said prior to Brandon Allen's injury they hoped to redshirt Austin Allen this season.