Derby's bowl status TBD

Arkansas' AJ Derby leaps over LSU's Tre'Davious White during the second quarter of the game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in Fayetteville.

— It's unclear whether senior tight end AJ Derby will play in the Texas Bowl, coaches said Wednesday.

Derby underwent a knee operation following Arkansas' regular season finale against Missouri. Derby missed that game and the second half of the Ole Miss game the week before with a knee injury.

"I think as we get closer to the ball game, we'll know a lot more," Arkansas offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said. "I really don't have any inclination one way or the other right now. I know AJ is working his hind-end off to get back because that's how he is, but as far as the medical side of it, I haven't heard where we're sitting right now."

After switching positions from quarterback to tight end during the off-season, Derby became a factor in the Razorbacks' passing game. He caught 22 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns this season, and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game next month.

If Derby can't play against Texas, Arkansas will employ the same tight end rotation it used the last six quarters of the season.

"We'll just play with the same blueprint we had at Missouri," tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. said. "Jeremy (Sprinkle) will play there and when we get in heavier sets it allows opportunities for Alex (Voelzke) or that extra lineman we've been playing some. There will be opportunities for other guys to step up.

"We're certainly optimistic. (Derby) was in today trying to get the game plan installed from a mental standpoint."