Razorbacks in the Pros: Injuries and Opportunity

Strategic Insights -

As the 2015 NFL season hits its stride, two former University of Arkansas players are making headlines for reasons off the field. Martrell Spaight, a standout linebacker for the Washington Redskins, has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, while former Razorback cornerback Tevin Mitchel suffered a severe shoulder injury before the season began. However, former Arkansas basketball player Coty Clarke received a boost, as the Boston Celtics announced they would sign him to their roster.

Key Takeaways:

  • Martrell Spaight, a former Arkansas linebacker, has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, which he suffered after the Redskins' Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
  • Spaight had 20 tackles in Washington's four preseason games and played around 63 percent of the team's defensive snaps before his injury.
  • The NFL's protocol regarding injury reporting has raised questions, as Redskins officials did not disclose when Spaight's injury was sustained.
  • Tevin Mitchel, a former Arkansas cornerback, suffered a severe shoulder injury before the season began and was claimed by the Indianapolis Colts.
  • Coty Clarke, a former Arkansas basketball player, has been signed by the Boston Celtics after impressing the team's officials with his performance in their preseason training camp.
  • Clarke averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game while playing professionally in Israel and will likely start with the Celtics' Development League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

Statistics:

  • Martrell Spaight had 20 tackles in Washington's four preseason games.
  • Spaight played around 63 percent of the team's defensive snaps before his injury.
  • Coty Clarke averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game while playing professionally in Israel.
  • Clarke started 30 of the team's 34 games in his final season at Arkansas.

Sources:

  • "Redskins Place LB Spaight to IR Due to Concussion" (Washington Post)
  • "Tevan Mitchel Suffering from Severe Shoulder Injury" (Colts Wire)
  • "Coty Clarke Signs with Boston Celtics" (Celtics Nation)