TAT: Football Injury Update: Wilson Uninjured, Gragg Doubtful, Wright Out

This article originally appeared in the October 11, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson was involved in a car accident Tuesday morning. He was rear-ended on Interstate 540, but was uninjured.

He returned to practice that day and “looked good,” UA offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said during his Tuesday press conference.

Petrino found out about the accident from head football athletic trainer Matt Summers, after missing a phone call from Wilson.

“You don’t want to answer your phone this year,” Petrino said. “If the phone rings, run from it.”

The accident had no affect on Wilson’s performance at practice.

“He threw the ball good and had a good practice. He did everything,” Petrino said. “It was a typical Tuesday. He took every rep he normally would.”

This comes as a relief to Petrino and the Razorbacks, as they have suffered several injuries this season. Wilson was knocked out of the ULM game late in the first half and missed the Alabama game the following week, before returning against Rutgers.

“First of all, you’re thankful that he’s okay as a person and he’s healthy,” Petrino said. “Secondly, you’re thankful that he’s okay as a player and he’ll be able to practice and play.”

Senior tight end Chris Gragg was injured early in the Rutgers game and has missed the last two games with a bone bruise. He ran with the team Sunday evening, but his status for Saturday’s game is doubtful.

“I doubt (he’ll play), but it’s day-to-day,” Petrino said.

Although he is getting better, he remains “very, very doubtful” for Saturday’s game against Kentucky, UA interim head coach John L. Smith said yesterday.

The Razorbacks received more disappointing news on the defensive side of the ball yesterday.

Senior linebacker/defensive end Tenarius “Tank” Wright will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Wright is the fourth Razorback to suffer a season-ending injury this year.

Fullbacks Kiero Small and Kody Walker, as well as linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, are all out for the rest of the season.

“It’s challenging, but that’s just part of the deal. We’ll never use that as an excuse,” Petrino said. “You have to play with who you got, do your best, and go out there and compete.”