And that’s that. Reportedly.
The week-long watch that’s been the health and availability of Tyler Wilson has unofficially ended, with one report surfacing that the senior quarterback has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against No. 1 Alabama.
“I’m told that Tyler Wilson has not been cleared and will not play on Saturday vs. Alabama,” Fayetteville radio personality Bo Mattingly wrote on Twitter Friday morning.
Arkansas360.com subsequently confirmed, through multiple sources, it’s not expected Wilson will play.
Wilson suffered a head injury in the loss to Louisiana-Monroe, and at varying points this past week the Arkansas coaching staff has been both guardedly optimistic and decidedly pessimistic as to the starter’s availability. While Wilson returned to practice Wednesday, he did not do the same the next day, a significant sign that pointed to his status being unofficially listed as very doubtful.
A final decision was expected this morning, although the school would only state in a release that Wilson’s status will not be revealed publicly determined until shortly before kickoff.
“There will be no further update on Tyler Wilson’s status today and he will be a game-time decision,” head coach John L. Smith said in a terse statement.
In Allen’s place, if the report is accurate, redshirt freshman Brandon Allen (pictured) would be making his first collegiate start. Allen, a four-star member of the Razorbacks’ 2011 recruiting class, has played in both games this season, completing 10-of-27 passes for 118 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
He replaced an injured Wilson after halftime of last Saturday’s game and, while he was solid on the first drive -- 2-of-3 for 60 yards and a touchdown -- he was miserable the rest of the way, with a stat line that read 3-of-15 for 25 yards and an interception.