MRI Reveals Razorbacks' Curtis Has Sprained Knee

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas freshman running back De'Anthony Curtis could miss up to two weeks with a sprained knee.

Curtis underwent an MRI and was held out of both practices on Wednesday. Coach Bobby Petrino said Curtis will need up to three days without any running and will not be rushed back at the risk of sustaining further damage.

"It's not a serious injury. It's just a matter of time when he'll be back," Petrino said. "We've got to be smart enough to make sure it's completely healed."

Curtis, a 5-10, 206-pounder from Camden-Fairview, had been competing for playing time at running back and on kickoff and punt returns. He ran for nearly 100 yards and a touchdown in a Sunday scrimmage.

Petrino said Curtis will be helped by the fact he has so much lower body strength. Curtis is predicting a much faster return, Petrino said.

"He says he'll definitely beat that [timetable]," Petrino said. "It's just a stretch."

Brandon Barnett, who recently returned from offseason knee surgery, took snaps in Curtis' place.

Curtis missed a 100-plus play scrimmage on Wednesday morning. Arkansas will scrimage again on Saturday.

Arkansas practices remain open through Friday. The Razorbacks will practce at 9 a.m. on Thursday and twice on Friday at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.