Sam Pittman updates status of QB KJ Jefferson

The status of quarterbacks in the SEC West is the hot topic this week, with LSU starting quarterback Jayden Daniels banged up and both starting quarterbacks in last week’s Alabama–Arkansas game also injured. On Monday, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman provided a KJ Jefferson status update.

Pittman had said after his team’s 49-26 loss to Alabama that Jefferson had hit his head, though he shied away from confirming Jefferson is in concussion protocol this week when asked directly.

“I didn’t say that,” Pittman said.

What we know is that Jefferson did not finish the contest against Alabama.

After leaving the game for one play midway through the fourth quarter, Jefferson returned briefly and finished out Arkansas’ final scoring drive.

But he did not appear in either of the two series following the final field goal make of the game for the Razorbacks, which cut the Crimson Tide lead to 42-26. Instead, reserve quarterback Cade Fortin played.

Pittman provided further KJ Jefferson status updates on Monday.

“He had some mild symptoms and those are things that our doctors look at,” Pittman said. “Each kid’s a little bit different of how they react. We’ve had guys back within three or four days, we’ve had guys out for 27 days. He’s kind of a wait and see, to be honest with you.”

KJ Jefferson’s status ‘wait and see’

With Jefferson’s availability not yet known, Arkansas will have to ready other options in the event he can’t play. Arkansas is set to travel to No. 23 Mississippi State for a game that will kick off at noon ET on Saturday on the SEC Network.

Fortin is the only other quarterback on the roster who has attempted a pass this year, though the listed backup going into Saturday’s game against Alabama was actually Malik Hornsby.

So far this year Fortin is 4-of-10 passing for 35 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s added one carry for nine yards.

Hornsby has only made an impact on the stat sheet so far this year as a runner and receiver, tallying three carries for 21 yards and two catches for eight yards. His previous production as a quarterback came last year, when he went 5-of-12 passing for 46 yards without a touchdown or an interception.

A sophomore now, Hornsby ran for 136 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries in 2021.