Notes and observations from Monday's football practice

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ football team on Monday went through its first practice in preparation for Saturday night’s game at No. 12 LSU.

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

• Running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders (knee) wore a helmet and was a limited participant Monday. He again wore a sleeve over his left leg.

Sanders did not take part in position group drills that included running and quick-twitch movements. Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman said earlier Monday at his weekly news conference that it was too early to tell if the back this weekend would be able to play in his first game since the season opener.

• Defensive back Malik Chavis was active in practice and going through drills with others in the secondary. In recent weeks he has been recovering from an injury to his hand/wrist and has not played in a game.

When asked about Chavis’ status Monday, Pittman said the Rison native likely will not play against LSU, but he could be available when the Razorbacks face Texas A&M at A&T Stadium on Sept. 30.

• Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek stopped by practice Monday. As reporters walked inside Walker Pavilion, he could be seen chatting with Pittman for a few minutes.

Yurachek on Monday at the Little Rock Touchdown Club expressed confidence in Pittman and the direction of the football team following last Saturday’s home loss to BYU. You can read more of Yurachek’s thoughts here.