Hogs Begin Second Week of Practice

UA Trainer Dean Weber’s Statement on Marcus Monk

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas football team returned to the practice fields Monday evening following its first scrimmage this weekend. The Razorbacks worked through a 90-minute session.

After practice, director of athletic training Dean Weber addressed the media with a statement on the condition of receiver Marcus Monk. Following an arthroscopy of his right knee, it was found that Monk sustained an articular cartilage fracture.

“(Monk) will be on an aggressive rehabilitation program emphasizing early motion,” said Weber who also said the senior receiver will miss at least four weeks.

With the wide receiver unit taking a hit with the loss of Monk, head coach Houston Nutt said he was proud of the way the rest of the group practiced.

“I thought the receivers really came in today and picked it up,” Nutt said. “We gave them the news about Marcus Monk and I thought they really went to work today.”

After viewing the video from Saturday’s scrimmage, Nutt said the coaching staff is continuing to focus on building depth at all positions beyond the first-team units. A couple of moves made included freshman Joe Chaisson getting a look at receiver and junior Elston Forte moving from safety to linebacker.

“(Forte) is very physical and we’re really going to try to get him in the mix,” Nutt said.

During its work against the defense, the offense worked on third-down plays to see how the players would react in the pressure situations. Nutt said they need to find out who will step up and make plays for the team when needed.

Nutt thought the younger players continued to make strides in efforts to be impact players for the Razorbacks this season. He called out players including Jake Bequette, Damario Ambrose, Donnell Sanders and Van Stumon and complimented the work they have put in.

“I thought (the young guys) gave effort,” Nutt said. “They don’t always know what they’re doing, but they are coming.”

Nutt also thought junior quarterback Casey Dick had a good day working on hitting the timing routes with his receivers.

“I thought (Casey) stepped up and made some throws under duress,” Nutt said.

The Razorbacks are scheduled to practice Tuesday evening at the fields located south of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Log on to www.hogwired.com for continued coverage of Arkansas football.