Arkansas escaped an upset bid from Louisiana Tech in the season opener, but they did so at a cost. Defensive back Kevin Richardson suffered a torn pectoral muscle and will now be out for the remainder of the 2016 season. Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema announced the injury news on Monday.
According to a report from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Richardson was scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday. The rehab process is expected to take up to four months, meaning a return for a bowl game might be a reach. Richardson had been playing backup defensive assignments and starting on special teams for Arkansas.
“Just his demeanor, his attitude, he’s everything I want in this program,” Bielema said, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette report. “He knows the defensive package as well as any coach.”
Thanks everyone for the prayers, and wishing me well! Surgery went well, it's time to grind to get back! #WPS 🐗🏈
— Kevin Richardson II (@K_Rich30) September 5, 2016
Champion adversity, that's what I will do! ✊🏾
— Kevin Richardson II (@K_Rich30) September 6, 2016