FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Bret Bielema has not ruled out quarterback Austin Allen for Saturday's game against No. 21 Auburn.
During his Thursday radio show, Bielema said Allen is "touch and go" this week. Allen missed the Razorbacks' game at Alabama last week with a shoulder injury but he has been throwing this week in practice.
Redshirt freshman Cole Kelley made his first career start in the 41-9 loss to the Crimson Tide and has taken first-team snaps again this week.
"To play a full four quarters was a confidence booster," Kelley said Thursday. "I thought we started to do some things offensively (late at Alabama) and that got our offense in motion. I think that will get us ready for Saturday."
Bielema said Arkansas came out of the Alabama game relatively healthy, but there still are some lingering injuries to watch this week. Offensive lineman Johnny Gibson was "a little banged up again this week" with a knee injury, Bielema said, and running back T.J. Hammonds is nursing a foot injury suffered when he was kicked in practice last week.
It isn't clear which position Gibson would play against Auburn. Gibson had rotated between right guard and right tackle before starting at left tackle against the Crimson Tide. He likes playing left tackle and is able to switch sides easily because he is ambidextrous, Bielema said.
Gibson's status could dictate where senior Frank Ragnow lines up against the Tigers, Bielema said. Ragnow moved from center to right guard for the Alabama game because coaches didn't think Gibson would be able to play.
"When (Gibson) is in the lineup we'll have Frank remain at center," Bielema said. "When he's out, there's a chance with Frank to guard."
Ragnow started at guard for the 15th time in his career. He also started a game there last year and was Arkansas' full-time starter at guard in 2015.
"He looked really good at guard," Bielema said. "Most of the NFL scouts love him at center, but because he runs so well I wouldn't be surprised if half the teams or more want to evaluate him at guard.
"He's going to be a 325-pound NFL lineman in about two years."
Bielema said tackles Colton Jackson and Paul Ramirez might also factor more into the game plan this week. Jackson started every game this season at left tackle until Gibson started there last week.
"We do think (Jackson) can fit this game better," Bielema said.
Cornerback Henre' Toliver played at Alabama with a "pretty significant" sprained ankle.
"I sat here last Thursday and didn't think I would have Henre'," Bielema said. "He sucked it up and played."
Bielema did not state whether tight end Jeremy Patton would play against Auburn. Patton did not dress out and was wearing a boot on his foot during the Alabama game after rolling his ankle in practice last week.
NOTE: This story was edited to remove a reference to Johnny Gibson playing right guard against Auburn. Bielema did not state which position Gibson would play this week.