Sam Pittman offers KJ Jefferson medical update after loss to Alabama
Arkansas fans got a massive scare on Saturday against Alabama, when quarterback KJ Jefferson suffered an apparent head injury and left the game. Following the Razorbacks’ loss to the Crimson Tide, head coach Sam Pittman discussed what occurred
“He hit his head. I don’t know,” Pittman said. “I don’t know where he’s at, to be honest with you. Obviously, we didn’t bring him back in. I don’t know any more than that.”
Arkansas was trailing Alabama 16 points with just over eight minutes to go but had the ball on the Alabama nine-yard line. Jefferson was sacked by Jaheim Oatis and Tim Smith on first and goal, and then was replaced by backup quarterback Cade Fortin. Jefferson missed just one play on that drive, which ended in a field goal, but did not come back into the game after that.
Jefferson was a key contributor for the Razorbacks, going 13-of-24 for 155 yards and a touchdown in the air. Jefferson also contributed 38 yards on the ground but it was not enough to overcome what Alabama brought to the field. Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe both threw for touchdowns and the Crimson Tide had five rushing touchdowns.
The Razorbacks getting Jefferson back and fully healthy will be key for their success this season. Arkansas started out the year 3-0 before dropping these last two SEC games by narrow margins. Jefferson has been huge in that success, throwing for over 1,000 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception so far this season.
Jefferson will have a few days to recover before the Razorbacks are back in action. Arkansas will travel to Mississippi State next Saturday for an 11 a.m. CT kick.
Game full of QB injuries
Arkansas was not the only team in this game that had issues with keeping quarterbacks healthy. Alabama quarterback and defending Heisman Trophy winner Young suffered an injury just before halftime which resulted in Jalen Milroe coming into the game for the Crimson Tide.
Milroe went on to throw for 65 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for a touchdown. But the focus was on the health of Young after the game.
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“Bryce has a little AC sprain in his shoulder,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters after the game. “You know, we’ll have to take it day-to-day. I think he’s OK. He doesn’t have a serious injury. We didn’t think he could go back in the game today because I didn’t think he had much steam throwing the ball. He’s had these before and in a few days, it starts to respond pretty well. We’ll just have to see how it goes and play it day-to-day.”