Sam Pittman provides update on injured Arkansas players in Week 1

NS_headshot_clearbackgroundby:Nick Schultz•09/02/23•

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As Arkansas went through its season opener against Western Carolina, the Razorbacks dealt with a couple injuries along the way. Sam Pittman provided an update on some of them after the game.

Rashod Dubinion and Quincy Rhodes both got hurt in the 56-13 victory to start the 2023 campaign, but Pittman sounded optimistic about both. Dubinion appeared to hurt his back and Rhodes hit his head on the turf, but Pittman said he wanted to get back out on the field and was in the locker room with the team following the win.

“Dubinion, I think, is fine. It was a back deal. I think he’s fine,” Pittman said. “Quincy Rhodes, I think, will be fine. He hit his head on the ground, but when I got out there, he was fine. He wanted to get up the whole time, but of course they were very cautious with him. But he was in the locker room after the game.”

Dubinion appeared in all 13 games as a freshman a year ago, totaling 293 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Prior to his injury, he took three carries for 15 yards against Western Carolina on Saturday.

Rhodes was making his collegiate debut as a true freshman on the Arkansas defensive line and had a tackle in his limited action. He is a former four-star recruit and was the No. 340 overall player from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

KJ Jefferson’s big day helps Arkansas cruise past Western Carolina in season opener

KJ Jefferson had a big day at quarterback as the new-look Arkansas offense took off against Western Carolina.

Jefferson completed 18 of 23 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns to lead the attack. Jacolby Criswell also saw some action at quarterback and threw for a touchdown in addition to his 28 passing yards.

The Razorbacks had a balanced rushing attack, as well, led by 42 yards from Raheim “Rocket” Sanders as he ran in tow touchdowns on the day. Jaedon Wilson was Arkansas’ top receiver with 83 yards and was one of three wideouts to record a touchdown in the victory. It’s all part of a new offense for the Razorbacks with Dan Enos at the controls.

Now, Arkansas will turn its attention to Kent State in Week 2 as the Razorbacks get the 2023 season underway. Kickoff is set for Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.