Photo by Jimmy Jones

 Arkansas running back Juan Day responded well to contact last week, but isn't expected to play this week against Auburn.

Day, who tore his ACL in March, still has a ways to go before he is game-ready, running backs coach Jemal Singleton said.

"He's a work in progress and has to get to where mentally we can trust him on the field and do some things ball security-wise and protection-wise," Singleton said. "But he's definitely coming along health-wise."

Day has not played in a game since September 2013 during his senior season at North Little Rock High School. He tore his ACL that year and did again in spring practice with the Razorbacks earlier this year.

Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said Monday that Day has been medically cleared to play despite the short window since his most recent injury. ACL recoveries typically last around nine to 12 months.

Bielema said the availability of fifth-year junior running back Kody Walker limits the urgency for Day's return at running back, where Arkansas has been thin since a preseason injury to Jonathan Williams. Walker has missed three games with a broken hand, but is expected to play against Auburn after having the size of his cast reduced since the Razorbacks' last game.

"Now we feel comfortable to maybe see what Kody can bring in," Bielema said. "I don't know if it's possible to work all four (running backs) in there, but it's definitely an option."

If Day doesn't play this season, he could potentially be granted a sixth year of eligibility if he decides to appeal to the NCAA. That will likely depend on if there are further injuries at the position this year.

"If he continues to practice well and we need him, he may get a chance," Singleton said, "but I wouldn't foresee it this week."