FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams will miss the remainder of the 2015 season after undergoing surgery to repair a neck injury suffered in the Razorbacks' win over Auburn on Saturday.
Williams was injured on a run play in which he was grabbed by his face mask with 3:42 remaining in the third quarter. A crowd of more than 72,000 was in near complete silence while he was tended to on the field for 11 minutes, before being carted off and transported to Physicians' Specialty Hospital in Fayetteville.
He was released from the hospital Monday.
More from WholeHogSports
http://www.wholehog…">VIDEO: Bielema gets choked up talking about Rawleigh
http://www.wholehog…">Hogs' backfield depth tested again
http://www.wholehog…">Cornelius may return this weekend
http://www.wholehog…">Olson: Allen sheds critics
http://www.wholehog…">Greenlaw named freshman of the week
http://www.wholehog…">Ole Miss game on CBS
"He is expected to make a full recovery," Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said in a statement Sunday. "A timetable for his return to the football field is unclear, but we are thankful that he is doing well and is with his family. Thank you to everyone for the well wishes, thoughts and prayers.”
Asked Monday, Bielema declined to clarify whether Williams had a broken bone or nerve damage in his neck. He said there is a chance that Williams will be able to play football again.
In a message posted to his Twitter page Sunday, Williams said he was "blessed" following the surgery, which requires him to wear a neck brace.
"The doctor explained I'm very lucky and should fully recover," Williams wrote. "My family and I are very thankful for your prayers."
Bielema posted on Twitter that Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn called Sunday to check on Williams.
A freshman, Williams is Arkansas' second-leading rusher this season with 254 yards on 56 carries. He rushed for a career-high 100 yards in a win at Tennessee earlier this month.
He is the latest in a line of Arkansas running backs to miss significant playing time this year because of an injury. Jonathan Williams (broken foot) and Juan Day (ACL) have not played this season, and Kody Walker missed four games with a broken hand.