FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen practiced Tuesday night and might be able to play Friday at Missouri, Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said.
Allen left last Saturday's game against Ole Miss with an injury Bielema described as to his soft tissue. Allen was kneed in the back while sliding during the second quarter of the win over the Rebels and wasn't able to practice Sunday or Monday.
"That kid's been getting treatment non-stop since the injury happened last Saturday," Bielema said. "As we all know, Brandon's a very tough customer, and he threw the ball fairly well. We didn't really want to try to re-aggravate anything, just wanted to let him heal up and get to where he needs to be.
"I think if Brandon continues to move in the direction that he's already started, there's not going to be any problem or hesitation (playing him)."
Allen is no stranger to playing through injuries. He played the final eight games last year with a separated shoulder joint.
If Allen can't play, his younger brother Austin Allen will get his first career start against the No. 17 Tigers. In the first lengthy playing time of his career, the redshirt freshman completed 3 of 5 passes for 65 yards against Ole Miss.
"Austin continued to move forward," Bielema said of this week's practice. "All the QBs we've been rotating through there have done a nice job and hopefully whoever gets in there Saturday will be able to execute the plan."
Bielema said whether tight end AJ Derby plays at Missouri will be a game-time decision. Derby re-injured his knee against Ole Miss.
Arkansas will have a "light" practice today, Bielema said, before leaving for Missouri tomorrow afternoon.