Notes and observations from Monday's football practice

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ football team on Monday went through its first practice ahead of Saturday night’s home game against BYU.

Reporters watched the first three periods of the workout, which did not include the fastball start segment. Here are some notes and observations from the viewing window:

• Running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders was among the inactive players working out beyond the end zone on the turf practice field. Sam Pittman said Monday afternoon that Sanders (knee) will not play against the Cougars.

Defensive backs Malik Chavis (hand/wrist) and Dallas Young, and defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes were also inactive during practice.

• Cornerback Dwight “Nudie” McGlothern was on the practice field and going through drills. He missed a majority of last weekend’s game against Kent State because of a turf toe injury that popped up late in the week. He is expected to be back in Week 3, Pittman said.

I did not watch McGlothern for an extended period of time, but he seemed to be moving OK. I thought he looked fairly explosive in a drill in which defensive backs were told to tackle a rolling tackling dummy.

• After Pittman over the weekend said he did not think the Razorbacks played like a physical football team, bringing physicality to the practice field was a theme Monday. As defensive linemen went through a position drill, Deke Adams repeatedly told players, “The most physical team wins.”

Moments after the drill, strength and conditioning coach Ben Sowders shouted, “We’ve got to be the most physical team,” in the direction of defensive linemen.

• Defensive coordinator Travis Williams had Arkansas’ linebackers go through a physical drill, too. It appeared to emphasize players shooting through holes up front and meeting the ball carrier with some pop.

I believe freshman linebacker Alex Sanford acted as the runner in most of the reps. Brad Spence, who started alongside Jaheim Thomas in Week 2, hopped in at least once. There were several big-time collisions.

• Razorbacks men’s track and field and cross country coach Chris Bucknam stopped by practice.