FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Sam Pittman on Thursday provided the latest on a number of personnel question marks ahead of Saturday’s home game against No. 1 Alabama.
Quarterback Feleipe Franks, who did not play in the 50-48 loss at Missouri due to a ribcage injury, has practiced throughout the week, Pittman said, but whether or not he will play this weekend remains unclear.
He added that Franks wants to play against the Crimson Tide. If he is healthy, Arkansas plans to play him, and if not, it will likely play and start redshirt freshman KJ Jefferson.
“Everybody's got an opinion about everything,” Pittman said. “So, last week, (people were) like, 'Well, you know, he's opting out. He's not going to play. He's not this and that.' The kid was hurt. This week, he's trying to play, and it says a lot about him. I have so much respect for that kid.
“Obviously, KJ went in there and played so well. It gave us a look into our future. But (Franks) wants to play, and I'm so proud of him. He's trying to play. He's got to feel well. I mean, would you like to go out there and play hurt against Alabama? I wouldn’t.”
Grant Morgan, who leads the country in tackles with 111, has not practiced this week, Pittman noted. Morgan left the Razorbacks’ loss to the Tigers in the second half with an apparent knee injury.
Right tackle Noah Gatlin has not played in Arkansas’ last four games because of an unspecified injury and is unlikely to play against Alabama.
Defensive end Julius Coates is also not expected to play for reasons unrelated to an injury, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Pittman was asked Thursday about his availability for Saturday’s game.
“We’ll find out whether he can play or not,” he said.
Montaric Brown, who was banged up last Saturday at Missouri, is “going to be fine” moving forward, Pittman added, but freshman defensive back Myles Slusher will be a game-time decision. Pittman told reporters on Nov. 2 that Slusher was battling an ankle injury.
“He's moving around a little bit, but I don't know if he's going to be able to play or not,” Pittman said. “I really don't."
Tight end Hudson Henry's status is uncertain as well. If Henry is able to play, it will be in a limited capacity, Pittman said.