FAYETTEVILLE -- University of Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman, never one to over-share on injury information, said Monday the Razorbacks would be in a wait-and-see situation this week regarding injuries to team captains Feleipe Franks and Grant Morgan.
The Razorbacks (3-6) wrap up their regular season in Saturday's 11 a.m. home game against No. 1 Alabama (9-0).
Franks, dealing with a rib cage injury since late against LSU on Nov. 21, did not play in last week's 50-48 loss at Missouri. Morgan came out late in the third quarter against the Tigers with an apparent knee injury and was not available in the fourth quarter when Missouri rallied from a 14-point deficit.
Franks traveled to the game, suited up and went through warmups, but redshirt freshman KJ Jefferson went the distance at quarterback. He passed for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 32 rushing yards and a 1-yard touchdown.
"After Saturday ... the trainers have been with Feleipe and all those things," Pittman said. "But we haven't seen him move or throw or anything like that. We'll get that opportunity today. So I don't really have an update as far as his availability yet. We'll know more on that after today's practice, and tomorrow and Wednesday."
Pittman was asked about Morgan a few minutes later on his weekly video conference.
"Y'all keep asking me the questions," Pittman said. "Here's the answer: We have no idea. I haven't seen him. Same way with Feleipe. Haven't seen him.
"We've got to find out about [Morgan's] knee. He won't practice today. We'll see if he can do something tomorrow. But I have no idea what his status will be for Saturday at this time."
Cornerback Montaric Brown also was unavailable in the latter stages of the game with an undisclosed injury. Freshmen Hudson Clark and Malik Chavis were Arkansas' cornerbacks during much of the fourth quarter -- including Missouri's game-winning drive -- and both gave up big plays in the final period.
Pittman said Brown did suffer an injury.
"Again, that will have to be something that we'll have to see how he does today and how he moves forward throughout the week," Pittman said. "But yes, he was beat up a little bit on Saturday."
The youthful depth behind Morgan and Brown did not perform as well on Saturday as Jefferson did in Franks' place.
"He took care of the football, is the first thing," Pittman said of Jefferson. "He threw a few balls away. But I thought KJ gave us a little bit more as far as in the running game. He ran the offense incredibly fast.
"And I just thought he did -- I mean, anybody could see he had a great football game. He took care of the ball, he ran the offense. And certainly I'm really, really proud of him."
Pittman said Jefferson was "very emotional" after the loss, which came after he had directed a late touchdown drive that ended on his 14-yard scoring pass to Mike Woods, then Woods' catch on a carom for a two-point conversion and a 48-47 Arkansas lead.
"I certainly can appreciate that," Pittman said of Jefferson's emotional reaction in the locker room. "I loved everything about him on Saturday. I really did."
The Razorbacks will hold their senior day against the Crimson Tide on Saturday, and Pittman said the celebration is open to all seniors.
Pittman has made no secret about hoping to re-recruit some of his seniors to play again next year since the NCAA is allowing an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Among the players Pittman has said he's discussed coming back in 2020 with are linebacker Grant Morgan, receiver De'Vion Warren, offensive lineman Ty Clary and others.
Pittman said it's too early to say which seniors will opt for another year, but he does't mind them participating in senior day whatever they decide.
"We've talked briefly to some of the guys about, 'Sure, we'd love to have you come back,' but that won't be decided, obviously, before senior day," Pittman said. "So we don't see any problem if the guys end up with two senior days.
"Every senior on our team will go through the ceremony before the game."