Sam Pittman provides Jashaud Stewart, Myles Slusher injury updates

No. 10 Arkansas has been extremely banged-up defensively in the first three weeks of the season, but head coach Sam Pittman provided some reason for optimism Wednesday with a Myles Slusher injury update.

According to the second-year Arkansas head coach, Slusher should return this weekend for a road trip to No. 23 Texas A&M.

“I think so, he’s looked really good, practiced extremely well,” Pittman said. “Yes, I think he’s ready to go. We’re glad he’s back.”

Slusher was one of a couple key secondary players for the Razorbacks who were injured in the team’s season opener against then-No. 23 Cincinnati. He appeared to suffer an upper-body injury, though details about the specifics of the injury have been scant.

The Hogs also lost safety Jalen Catalon for the season to a shoulder injury in that game. Catalon was one of the SEC’s top safeties.

But the Myles Slusher injury update wasn’t the only one Pittman provided on Wednesday.

Injury Update: DL Jashaud Stewart also expected back

Along with Slusher, defensive lineman Jashaud Stewart could also make his return this weekend against the Aggies. Pittman was optimistic he will play after missing last week’s game against Missouri State.

“I am, yeah,” Pittman said. “I think he’ll be fine.”

Stewart had recorded two tackles this season, while appearing in both the Cincinnati and South Carolina games. Slusher had recorded three in the team’s season opener.

Slusher will be the more significant piece returning of the two. He recorded 50 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two interceptions and four passes defended in 2021. Stewart chipped in seven tackles a year ago.

Arkansas and Texas A&M are set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET with a national broadcast on ESPN.