FAYETTEVILLE — Rest assured, Arkansas fans. Ryan Mallett is expected to be running full speed next week just in time for the start of fall camp, Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino announced Thursday.
"He should be full speed by then," Petrino said Thursday prior to his annual media/car dealership golf tournament in Fayetteville. "He's doing some controlled-situation running right now, where we're on a treadmill and you reduce the amount of weight that's on there. By Monday he should increase that and by Tuesday he should be running full speed."
The quarterback who set or tied 16 school records last season has been hobbled after breaking a bone in his left foot Feb. 17. His recovery has stretched more than five months, a time frame that included two surgeries, a couple of protective casts, weight-supporting scooters and protective walking boots, and 15 spring practices.
"Him missing the 15 practices in spring ball is something he has to make up," Petrino said. "We have to give him a lot of reps."
Mallett has concentrated on his mechanics and footwork during his time in a protective boot. He said last week at SEC Media Days that he had shortened his stride to help with his throws.
Conditioning, though, is the primary concern for Mallett, who has tried to keep pace with voluntary summer workouts by running and swimming in a pool.
"A lot of these guys have been running and are in top condition right now," offensive coordinator Garrick McGee said of Mallett's teammates. "We've got to get him in shape, get his timing back and just get him back in rhythm. He'll get the reps he needs in camp."
The coaching staff will also be cautious with Mallett early during practices this month "because you don't want to throw him out there and do too much too early," Petrino said.
Mallett had a screw replaced in the injured foot June 9, less than two months before the start of fall camp Aug. 5.
"We do expect it to be healed, ready to go," Petrino said. "All the reports from the doctors have been great — thumbs up, we're right where we need to be. And they're really excited about it, as well as I am."
Newcomers will report for practice at 3 p.m., while veterans — such as Mallett — will take the field at 6:30 p.m. on the first day of practices.