Norton Sidelined With High Ankle Sprain

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas starting cornerback Jerell Norton missed Friday's practice because of a high ankle sprain, and he's expected to be held out until Monday to let his right foot heal.

Norton suffered the injury nearly two weeks ago when he landed awkwardly after jumping up to make a play during a one-on-one drill.

The sophomore has continued to practice, but Arkansas' coaches felt it was best to give him a few days off to let his foot rest.

"It's been something he's been trying to fight through. He's been trying to practice through it, and (we) just noticed it's not getting much better," Arkansas cornerbacks coach Bobby Allen said.

"The other day he looked like he was really having some trouble with it. We just want to be smart, let him get rested so he can get back and be full speed."

Norton stood on the sidelines at Friday's practice with his right foot in a black, walking boot.

Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said the high ankle sprain is an injury Norton dealt with last season. But Nutt said he anticipates the cornerback to be ready by next Saturday when the Razorbacks open the season against Troy University.

"(He) just re-aggravated the same injury from last year," Nutt said. "(We're) just trying to make sure he's OK by next week."



Gatson Cleared

Freshman cornerback Greg Gatson has been cleared by the NCAA, making him eligible to play for the Razorbacks this season.

There were some doubts as to whether Gatson would be cleared for the start of the season. But the Memphis native was on his way to Arkansas on Friday after receiving the news about his eligibility.



More Injuries

Freshman Nathan Dick, who's listed as the No. 2 quarterback, missed Friday's practice because of a hip flexor. It's not believed to be a serious injury, and Dick is expected to take part in a full-speed walk-through this morning.

Cornerback Brandon Barnett was held out of practice because of a pulled calf muscle. Wide receiver Robert Johnson also sat out because of a stomach virus that has infected several players over the past week.

Meanwhile, Nutt said he hasn't received any news regarding tight end Ben Cleveland, who was expected to visit a specialist in Houston on Friday about the pinched nerve in his neck.

The former Springdale High star has missed much of preseason camp because of the injury.



More Practice

Arkansas went inside its indoor facility for the second half of Friday's practice because of the threat of rain. The Razorbacks will go through a walk-through this morning and a closed practice Sunday. They will take Monday off before resuming practice Tuesday.