Quarterback KJ Jefferson was knocked out of Arkansas' season finale against Missouri during its opening minutes with an apparent leg injury. The redshirt senior landed awkwardly on his left leg, which was pinned beneath a Missouri defender's body, during a 22-yard scramble just a few minutes into the rivalry. The CBS broadcast later reported that Jefferson will miss the rest of the game.
The star quarterback remained on the turf and immediately started grabbing at his left knee at the time of the injury. Arkansas' athletic trainers helped him walk to the sideline, where he immediately went into the medical tent. He later rode an exercise bike and tried to stretch his leg out on the sideline but returned to the tent after jogging around and testing out his leg.
Jefferson actually fumbled on the scramble and Missouri recovered the ball. The Tigers were able to convert the turnover into a field goal, taking an early 10-0 lead with 4:45 left to go in the first frame. Backup quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who transferred to Arkansas from North Carolina in the offseason, entered the game on Arkansas' next offensive drive.
Jefferson exited the game with 2 yards passing and 15 yards rushing. He started in all 12 of Arkansas' games this season, leading the Razorbacks to a 4-7 record, and completed 190 passes for 2,107 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 6-foot-3 and 247-pound Jefferson also rushed 447 yards and two touchdowns on 161 carries.
Though Jefferson signed with Arkansas in 2019, he still has a year of eligibility remaining thanks to the pandemic-shortened season in 2020.
