Arkansas State loses big time player ahead of Razorbacks' historic matchup

Huge development...
Northern Illinois Huskies safety Muhammed Jammeh (21) stops Arkansas State Red Wolves running back Ja'Quez Cross (2) in second half action in the Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday December 23, 2023.
Northern Illinois Huskies safety Muhammed Jammeh (21) stops Arkansas State Red Wolves running back Ja'Quez Cross (2) in second half action in the Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday December 23, 2023. | Mickey Welsh / USA TODAY NETWORK

As Arkansas' game against Arkansas State approaches, a new development has arisen from the other side of the state.

Arkansas State loses Ja'Quez Cross for the season

The Red Wolves running back Ja'Quez Cross will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL at practice on Tuesday. Butch Jones announced his injury on A-State's weekly radio show "Live with the Red Wolves" on Thursday night.

The Fordyce, Ark., native was Arkansas State's Swiss Army Knife. He logged 99 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against Southeast Missouri State, including a 30-yard kickoff return.

The fifth-year vet started his career at Purdue in 2021 but transferred back to the Natural State the following year. In the last two seasons, he had rushed for over 600 yards, accounted for at least 161 yards in the passing game, and scored 10 touchdowns.

Cross received preseason G5 All-American honors and was a preseason Sun Belt All-Conference member at running back and kick returner. He also graced the Doak Walker Award and Paul Hornung Award watch lists.

Arkansas football injury report

Arkansas finished last Saturday's game against Alabama A&M unscathed. The only two players not available for Saturday's game are defensive tackle David Oke and wide receiver Antonio Jordan, who both missed the opener against Alabama A&M.

The freshman phenom had a high ankle sprain and will miss around three weeks, according to head coach Sam Pittman.

Oke is still nursing a knee injury dating back to fall camp. However, the Abilene Christian transfer may be back for the Razorbacks' game against Ole Miss.