Arkansas gets good news, bad news on receiving front

Quarterback Ryan Mallett should have one of his top two targets back on the field when the 19th-ranked Arkansas (5-2, 2-2 in Southeastern Conference) plays Vanderbilt (2-5, 1-3) in Razorback Stadium on Saturday. Junior Greg Childs, who suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss and did not finish the game, is expected to play after practicing the past two days. But Childs’ teammate, receiver Joe Adams won’t be in uniform after missing practice all week because of the ankle injury he also sustained against Ole Miss. "Greg did good," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. "He came out Wednesday night and practiced the entire practice, which surprised me a little bit. I didn’t think he’d go out the entire practice. He came out Thursday, he feels good. He’s bouncing around." Childs ranks first on the team in receiving with 41 catches for 572 yards and six touchdowns. Adams is second with 30 catches for 544 yards and four scores.The two have been key components of Arkansas’ passing offense, which ranks second in the nation (352.1 yards). Adams also has been valuable on special teams for the Razorbacks. He set a school record with a 97-yard return for a touchdown in the first half against the Rebels. Without Adams, Arkansas will count on more from a group that also includes Jarius Wright, Cobi Hamilton, Julian Horton and Javontee Herndon. In addition, Wright will fill in for Adams as Arkansas’ punt returner Saturday. Wright returned a punt for 24 yards after Adams left the game last week.