Arkansas’ running back depth is already thin without the Razorbacks’ two leading rusher from a year ago -- Knile Davis (broken ankle) and Broderick Green (ACL tear) -- and there doesn’t appear to be any signs that it’s going to get better for the immediate future.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said after practice Monday that oft-injured back Dennis Johnson, who has been fighting a hamstring injury for a portion of preseason practice, is still doubtful for next week’s game against New Mexico.
“Dennis would have a long way to go to get available for this week,” Petrino told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “Right now I would say he is probably not going to be available.”
Johnson’s absence against the Lobos obviously isn’t a huge deal for Arkansas, but they will need as much depth as possible once SEC play starts in a couple weeks against Alabama.
Against Missouri State, junior Ronnie Wingo and freshman Kody Walker had a bulk of the Razorbacks’ 33 carries, but the run game was largely stuffed. Johnson hasn’t played much since 2009, but having an veteran back would be a plus going forward.