Latest news on Andrew Armstrong and Patrick Kutas

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman provided injury updates during his weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday, saying the Razorbacks are “relatively healthy” ahead of Thursday's season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Earlier this week, Pittman said he did not believe junior offensive lineman Patrick Kutas would play against the Golden Lions because of a back injury he suffered early in fall practice. The starter, who played in nine games a year ago, will be evaluated later in the week, according to Pittman.

“We'll have his back checked on Friday and we'll know a little bit more after that,” Pittman said. “But he's progressed from things in the pool to things on land and now a little bit of hitting. So, we'll do that MRI and then I'll be able to give you a better answer, I think at the next meeting. Next Monday.”

Pittman reiterated Kutas' absence from the game against UAPB in Wednesday's SEC teleconference and also addressed the health of redshirt senior wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, junior running back Rashod Dubinion and the rest of the team.

“I think we're in great shape,” Pittman said. “Every time we've had days before the off weeks, so the openers, we've come out pretty good. We've won most of those games. I think Georgia has beaten us. Other than that, we've been in good shape and ready to play.”

“I feel really good about it. Just have a few question marks. Probably whether Andrew Armstrong will be one of those guys, whether he can play. Other than that, I think we're in good shape.”

Pittman did not disclose the exact injuries of either player, but Armstrong suffered a hamstring injury during fall training camp and Dubinion struggled with swelling in his knee during training camp.

Armstrong was named to the 2024 Biletnikoff Award Watch List after leading the Hogs in receptions (56), receiving yards (764) and touchdowns (five) last season. Dubinion played in 10 games during the 2023 season and rushed for 260 yards on 82 carries with one touchdown.

“I don't know if Andrew is really ready,” Pittman said. “He certainly won't be a starter. He'll be available. (Rashod) will play and we believe he's healthy enough. More importantly, he feels healthy enough to play. He won't be a starter, but he'll be available. Both are available. I believe R-Dub has the opportunity to play a little more than I see Andrew.”

Although it wasn't due to injury, Arkansas also lost a scholarship player before Thursday night's game. Junior scholarship long snapper Eli Stein is no longer with the team, according to Pittman.

Pittman confirmed that redshirt junior Ashton Ngo is expected to fill in for Stein and that he was awarded a scholarship earlier this week.

“Ashton Ngo was our starter at punt snapping anyway,” Pittman said. “It was a very close battle with the short (field goal) snapping. He was going to be there no matter what, and will certainly take over the short snapping as well, yes.”

Arkansas will open the 2024 season on Thursday, August 29 against UAPB at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.