Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and several players wrapped up their weekly news conference not too long ago. Here are a few tidbits:

Petrino said offensive guard Mitch Petrus will redshirt this season because of an undisclosed issue believed to involve academics. Petrus will still be able to practice with the team, but he won’t be eligible to play in any games.

The loss of Petrus is a severe blow to Arkansas’ offensive line, which already lacks quality depth. Petrus was one of three Razorbacks named to the coaches All-SEC preseason team, but he has lost his starting job to sophomore Wade Grayson.

Petrino indicated that weakside linebacker Elston Forte will play Saturday against No. 8 Texas after missing the first two games because of an undisclosed injury, likely his knee. Forte’s return comes at the right time. The senior was voted a defensive captain before the start of the season, and he’ll give the Razorbacks a proven playmaker when they head to Austin, Texas this weekend.

At the same time, sophomore strongside linebacker Freddy Burton will return this week from a two-game suspension, and there is a chance junior middle linebacker Wendel Davis could be back from a hand and knee injury.

Petrino said backup wide receiver Marques Wade will also return this week from a two-game suspension, along with Burton. Both players will be used on special teams and could provide depth at their respective positions.

Finally, starting running back Michael Smith said he got an IV at halftime of last Saturday’s 28-27 win over Louisiana-Monroe because he was feeling drained, adding that he was bothered by cramps throughout the second half. He still finished with a career-high 157 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

That’s it for now. But there will be a lot more in Tuesday’s edition of The Morning News.