Arkansas starting quarterback Nick Starkel was injured in the first half and did not return to the game during the Razorbacks' 31-27 loss to No. 23 Texas A&M on Saturday.
Starkel, who transferred to Arkansas from Texas A&M earlier this year, appeared to suffer an injury to his left, non-throwing arm when he tackled Justin Madubuike with 5:36 remaining in the second quarter. Madubuike intercepted a Starkel pass in the end zone after the Razorbacks had advanced to the Texas A&M 3.
Starkel was carted off the field shortly after suffering the injury. At halftime Arkansas coach Chad Morris said Starkel was in an X-ray room. Starkel returned to the sideline for the second half wearing a brace on his left elbow.
"I don't know right now," Morris said during his postgame radio interview when asked about a prognosis for Starkel. "I know he was just hit on the left arm and couldn't gain any strength in that left arm. We'll re-evaluate and move on."
Later during his postgame press conference Morris said Starkel had suffered a contusion and was unable to grip the ball, but would be the team's starter moving forward. The Razorbacks are not scheduled to play again until an Oct. 12 game at Kentucky.
Starkel completed 12 of 17 passes for 109 yards prior to the injury. Arkansas trailed 14-3 when he left the game.
Ben Hicks completed 15 of 27 passes for 188 yards and 1 touchdown in relief of Starkel. He led three scoring drives, including two that put the Razorbacks ahead.
"I thought he did an incredible job of coming in in a tough situation and really responded," Morris said. "I thought that said a lot about his drive and character, and a lot about his preparation because he was definitely prepared. He did give us a chance and I'm excited about what he was able to do moving the football down the field."
Hicks led Arkansas to the Texas A&M 19 in the final minute of the game, but his fourth down pass to Cheyenne O'Grady was incomplete with 31 seconds remaining, which allowed the Aggies to regain possession and hold on for the win.