Several Arkansas Players Missed First Spring Scrimmage, Sam Pittman Remains Hopeful

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman said he was "pleased with Hogs’ first scrimmage" on Thursday, even though several guys couldn't participate in it due to injury.

Pittman said that 2,000 or 3,000 people attended the scrimmage last week and that he's proud of his organization and the way the guys competed.

“As of right now, I think we came out fairly injury-free from today’s practice,” Pittman said. "I was proud of the way the kids competed. We obviously have things to work on, but we did see some positive things as well."

Among the players not participating in the practice were:

Pittman addressed a few of the injuries and remained hopeful when speaking about the guys getting back on to the field.

He said redshirt senior linebacker Hayden Henry didn't play in the scrimmage due to a lingering shoulder issue — Pittman said he wants Henry to return when he is 100%.

“We’re trying to hold him out," he said after the scrimmage. "He’s had some shoulder problems in the past. I don’t know if you call it a deal I made, but I wanted him to come back because he’s a good football player. One of the things was we would let him get his shoulders strong. He’s really had a good offseason.”

Both sophomore offensive tackle Ty’kieast Crawford and redshirt junior wide receiver Jaquayln Crawford also didn't participate.

“They are both hurt,” Pittman said. “They’ve both got small injuries. So they’ll be back. Cat will be back Tuesday. I don’t know how long that Nichols will be out. I probably won’t play him Tuesday and see if this discretionary week that can get him back to full health. Just a nagging foot deal.”

“Ty’kieast Crawford didn’t participate today, but he’s a guy that we’re really pleased with what he has done so far,” Pittman said. “Jaquayln Crawford wasn’t able to play today as well.”

Pittman also commented on redshirt sophomore defensive back Jalen Catalon and redshirt junior defensive tackle Isaiah Nichols. He described both as having "small injuries."

Pittman said the team is planning to scrimmage once more before the spring game. The team has one more practice before spring break.