Arkansas coach Bret Bielema brought some clarity Monday to the weekend news that star running back Jonathan Williams would need foot surgery and would miss an "extended" period of time.
As it turns out, extended means the entire regular season.
Bielema told reporters Williams has insurance against an injury, which could come in handy depending on how the senior's standing for the 2016 NFL Draft plays out. Draft analyst Chad Reuter rated Williams a top-80 prospect for the 2016 draft earlier this summer, which would place him, at worst, as a mid-third-round pick.
Bielema left open the possibility that Williams could play a bowl game, which would give NFL scouts a strong opportunity to evaluate his recovery prior to an offseason evaluation process that, for Williams, could begin with the Senior Bowl. Williams injured his left foot in a scrimmage Saturday and will require a screw insertion to stabilize the foot.
Williams rushed for 1,190 yards last season on 211 carries.
As a true senior, another option for Williams would be to redshirt and return to Arkansas for the 2016 season.
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