Cam Ball injury update: Bobby Petrino provides latest on Arkansas DL's status for Mississippi State

Arkansas was without one of its main defensive leaders in a 33-24 loss to Auburn on Saturday. Defensive lineman Cam Ball missed the contest for undisclosed reasons.

Bo Mattingly, co-host of the “Chuck and Bo Show” radio program, reported Ball was in concussion protocols. He’ll reportedly be back this week after returning to practice in non-contact work successfully on Tuesday.

“Yeah, everything went good and everything that he’s done so far, he should be ready to go,” interim coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. “Barring a setback we’re hoping that he’s full speed and ready to go Saturday.”

His addition will be huge for the program. Cam Ball has logged 16 tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss so far this season, but Petrino explained his impact is bigger than the numbers.

“Yeah, we miss Cam when he’s not out there,” Petrino said. “He’s such a great leader for us and plays with extreme effort. He has great experience, so he helps everybody else out on the field. We’re certainly happy to have him back out there full speed yesterday.”

Luckily, Arkansas has also gotten some other players back on the interior after being quite banged up in recent weeks. Ian Geffrard and Danny Saili have both returned to action.

Both have helped shore up the depth inside, which had become a big concern in recent weeks. David Oke remains out.

“They’re in good shape,” Petrino said of Geffrard and Saili, in addition to Cam Ball. “Those guys have had to play a lot of plays for us, and it was good to have Danny back. He’s a very explosive player, he’s got great quickness. He doesn’t always make the play but he’s always a disruption and helps other guys make plays. So I was really happy to have him back out there last week.”

While Cam Ball looks set for a return, Oke is feared out for the season now. Petrino didn’t provide much of an update on Monday but noted he will not be back.

“No, I don’t think,” Petrino said. “I don’t think he’ll be back with us.”