Hillis condition improving

Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis scores a touchdown during a game against LSU on Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, in Baton Rouge, La.

FAYETTEVILLE — Former Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis continues to make strong progress in a Florida hospital after his health scare following a water rescue in the Gulf of Mexico of a couple of family members on Jan. 4.

Hillis, who swallowed sea water and was having trouble with his kidneys and lungs, has been off a ventilator since last Wednesday and has been walking around some in recent days. He has continued to remain on dialysis to help improve his kidney function, according to family members.

His father, Doug, said via text Tuesday the doctors are talking about releasing him perhaps within the next four days.