Arkansas football injury report: Updates on Patrick Kutas, Jaylon Braxton and Kyle Ramsey

Arkansas football could receive a huge boost to its offense in the coming weeks.

On Wednesday's SEC teleconference, head coach Sam Pittman announced that junior offensive lineman Patrick Kutas returned to practice Tuesday. Kutas was projected to be the Razorbacks ' starting left guard this season, but he hasn't played through the first six weeks. Kutas only participated in the first two practices of fall camp before going down with the injury.

In response, Arkansas shifted redshirt sophomore E'Marion Harris inside to replace Kutas at left guard. Harris has started all six games, and according to Pro Football Focus, he's given up just one sack on the season.

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"(Harris) has been here now for three seasons," Pittman said prior to the season opener against UAPB.

"His ability to move people is much better. I think he’s just playing much better because he’s confident he can get it done."

Kutas was a four-star prospect coming out of high school in 2022. The Memphis native played in all 13 games as a true freshman, primarily on special teams, before becoming a full-time starter along the offensive line in 2023.

Kutas started nine games at right tackle last year, but Pittman moved him inside this spring and he has exclusively played left guard this offseason.

At SEC Media Days, Pittman said Kutas was one of the strongest players on the team and a key figure of the offense. The head coach was expecting a big bounce-back season for the offensive lineman .

Jaylon Braxton, Rodney Hill expected to return soon

Arkansas could also receive a talent infusion to its defense in the coming weeks, with Pittman saying he expects cornerback Jaylon Braxton to return to practice Thursday.

Braxton has missed the last four games with with what Pittman has described as "tendonitis." He entered the season as the Razorbacks ' top cornerback. Jaheim Singletary has been Braxton's primary replacement this season, with Kee'yon Stewart also chipping in.

Running back Rodney Hill has an 'MCL injury', according to Pittman, and the Hogs expect him to return to practice by Monday.

Kicker Kyle Ramsey sustains 'significant injury'

Pittman announced that Ramsey will "be out for a while" on the SEC Teleconference, and backup Matthew Shipley is taking over as the Hogs' starting kicker moving forward.

Ramsey won the job in fall camp, but he's been inconsistent through the first six weeks. Ramsey is 7 of 12 on field goals, and he aggravated a groin injury on a missed field goal against Tennessee.

Shipley came in and made a crucial field goal and extra point against the Volunteers in relief. The Hawaii transfer converted 80% of his field goal attempts last season.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas football injury report: Updates on Patrick Kutas, Jaylon Braxton and Kyle Ramsey