FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas' football team had its earliest practice in workout No. 9 of camp on Monday, with a start around 7:30 a.m. and media viewing opening about 7:50.
The Razorbacks worked in light shoulder pads and shorts to prepare for a heavier day Tuesday following Saturday’s scrimmage and a day off the practice field Sunday.
Coach Sam Pittman’s third team is 19 days out from the season opener against Cincinnati. The Razorbacks, ranked No. 23 in the USA Today Coaches poll last week, will find out if they make the Associated Press preseason top 25 at 11 a.m.
One of the biggest news items of the day was the return of several players who have missed time recently, led by safety Jalen Catalon, who was in Texas attending a funeral over the weekend.
Also returning were defensive tackles Cam Ball and Taylor Lewis, who missed about a week apiece after going through what Pittman suggested was concussion protocols. Ball got work with the second unit alongside transfer Terry Hampton. Defensive back Jacorrei Turner (shoulder) came out of his green no-contact jersey, while center Marcus Henderson (pec) remained in his.
Offensive tackle Andrew Chamblee, who came out of Saturday’s scrimmage work with a shoulder problem, was back at work and taking reps with the second-team offense at left tackle behind Luke Jones.
Offensive tackle Devon Manuel, who Pittman said has been “beaten up” lately, was not spotted during the workout, leading to Chamblee’s time with the 2s.
Raheim “Rocket” Sanders had a couple of runs during the Fastball Start, and KJ Jefferson hit Matt Landers about 10 yards down the left sideline, with Catalon in position to make an immediate hit on the final play for the first unit.
Malik Hornsby went 0 for 2 with the second group, with a pass for Ketron Jackson Jr. being broken up by LaDarrius Bishop, and AJ Green failing to latch onto a low throw over the middle.
Quarterback Cade Fortin had a couple of runs with the third group and Rashod Dubinion got to the edge on the right side.
A pair of NFL scouts attended the workout, but they were too far across the field to determine which teams they represented.
Offensive line coach Cody Kennedy and players from the position are scheduled to speak to reporters beginning at 10:15 a.m.