During Monday’s press conference, Sam Pittman broke the news that Arkansas will likely be down an offensive lineman on Thursday for the game against UAPB.
Projected starter Patrick Kutas has been dealing with a back injury for most of fall camp. In the meantime, E’Marion Harris has taken over at left guard. "I don’t believe Patrick will play," Pittman said. "I’ll say this too, and we’ll miss him because he’s a good player. That back is still bothering him."
Kutas played in all thirteen games as a freshman, primarily on special teams. However, he earned a starting role last year. He started at right tackle in nine games before his season ended with an injury.
Pittman has confidence in Harris and praised his development over the summer. "He’s really not five if you were going one, two, three, four, five. He's not five. I don’t know where he’s at. He’s really done a really good job. I’m really pleased with how he’s come along and gained his weight."
Harris is in his third season at Arkansas and played in six games last season. However, the 6-foot-7-inch redshirt sophomore was undersized at 275 pounds. Pittman believes Harris has more confidence now that he's over 300 pounds.
"I just think he's so much more motivated, and his body gives him a chance," said Pittman. "I'm not for sure if didn't affect his mind as well because he wasn't able to move people."
Kutas has an MRI on Monday to check the extent of his injury. "He’s going to get a reading on his back on Friday, and then we’ll know a little bit more after that," Pittman said. "He’s progressed from things in the pool to things on land now, to a little bit of hitting. So, we’re going to get this MRI read and then I’ll have a better answer for you, I guess next time we meet next Monday."
Arkansas plays UAB on Thursday at 6:30 PM. You can stream the game on ESPNU.