Arkansas' Jonathan Williams to miss regular season due to foot injury

Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams is done for the season.

Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema announced Monday that Williams' left foot injury is as severe as the team expected, and he won't return this year.

"It's always tough when you're dealing with players that you care about, that you love," Bielema told USA TODAY Sports. "It's always a disappointment, but the good news is he's got a lot of football left in front of him.

"He may not play with us again necessarily, but he's a kid with a great career outlook. Everybody I've talked to - all the doctors, all the NFL people - they said it's a pretty routine thing. Once he gets it taken care of, should be able to run a year from now. He's going on to bigger and better things."

Williams injured his foot in a scrimmage Saturday. At the time, the team announced he would miss an "extended period of time" and required surgery, though it did not offer a specific diagnosis.

Last season, Williams was the Hogs' leading rusher, finishing with 1,190 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The only three SEC backs to rush for more yards were Auburn's Cameron Artis-Payne, Georgia's Nick Chubb, and Mississippi State's Josh Robinson.

Williams is the 10th-leading rusher in school history with 2,321 yards on the ground.

If one team could afford to take a shot at running back, it was this one. Although losing Williams is a huge blow, it doesn't leave Arkansas empty-handed.

While he wasn't the team's leading rusher, Alex Collins is no slouch. In 204 carries (Williams had 211), Collins rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 scores.

Bielema added that Rawleigh Williams' role will increase this season.