Arkansas’ offensive line took a hit today when tackle DeMarcus Love suffered a knee injury in the morning practice and guard Grant Cook went down with a sore knee in the afternoon workout.

Offensive line coach Mike Summers said Cook’s injury isn’t severe and he was actually cleared to rejoin practice at the end of the day. Love’s status is unknown, but it was enough to keep him off the field.

Either way, watching two starters writhing in pain on the ground is something no coach wants to experience in the preseason. But if there is a bright side to the injuries it’s this: Arkansas believes it has more depth up front this season and it got to test some of those second-team guys today.

JUCO transfer Zhamal Thomas filled in for Cook at guard, while redshirt freshman Matt Hall is working in Love’s place at tackle. Summers said those two filled in pretty well considering.

“They did good,” Summers said. “They made mistakes from time to time which you can’t do up front or it shows up really big. I’m encouraged that we’ve got some depth in the offensive line. We can put some guys in there and feel good they can go in and do the job.”

Thomas and Hall are part of a pretty impressive looking group of backup players. In addition, massive freshman tackle Anthony Oden is working on the second team line. So is freshman guard Alvin Bailey, a 17-year old who surprised veterans when he bench pressed 415 pounds before camp.

“All of those young guys are eager to be in there,” Summers said. “They’re trying to learn the technique in the offense, which, at times, doesn’t look good. But they’re running hard and I’m pleased with all of those guys. They’re good football players.”

Of course, Arkansas hopes to see Love and Cook back on the field soon. But there appears to be more options this season for the offensive line if and when someone goes down with an injury.