Sam Pittman offers injury update on Jalen Catalon, Myles Slusher

The Arkansas Razorbacks escaped the Cincinnati matchup with a win but not without taking some hits. Both starting safeties, Jalen Catalon and Myles Slusher, exited the game early. Head coach Sam Pittman provided an update on their status on Monday as the team preps for another home game versus the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Pittman also revealed that starting defensive tackle Isaiah Nichols, who was banged up, will be clear to play by next Saturday.

“Well, we’re not ready, really, to figure out exactly Catalon’s situation, we haven’t, let’s say that I guess,” Pittman shared in his press conference. “Slusher’s in the same boat there, I think Nichols should be fine.”

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Razorbacks faced with Game 2 without Catalon, Slusher

The news is not comforting for Razorback fans. Jalen Catalon is a team captain and one of the top safeties in the country.

A shoulder injury that knocked him out last season caused him to return to Arkansas instead of heading straight to the NFL. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound safety had only allowed 7 catches from 14 targets for 59 yards in the six games he played last season.

Over the past two years, Catalon has been one of the most productive defensive backs on the Razorbacks roster. Totaling 145 total tackles, eight pass deflections and five interceptions (one pick-six in 2020), Catalon’s numbers should only improve this year.

As the other starting safety, Myles Slusher is another key member of the Arkansas defense. He totaled 50 tackles last season along with two interceptions and four pass breakups. Prior to that, as a freshman in 2020, he had 15 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries.

The Razorbacks pulled out the win on Saturday without their starting safeties on the field. Quarterback K.J. Jefferson led the Hogs with 223 yards passing, 62 yards rushing and four scores.