Why the latest departure from the Razorbacks is actually no big deal

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas. — With several backup tight ends being cut from the Arkansas team over the past few days, some fans were concerned when Sam Pittman made the announcement. Just chill people.

In the first eight games, Ty Washington and Var’Kase Gumms only traded each other three times. It won’t affect what happens in the future, and John Neighbors pointed that out on his podcast on Monday.

What the departure has done is open up some opportunities for other guys who seem ready to move in for some playing time. Andreas Paaske, in particular, burst into the picture in a 58-25 win over Mississippi State with two touchdown catches.

Keep your eyes on Maddox Lassiter, who caught Pittman’s attention with his work ethic, smarts and enjoyment of beating people up. The walk-on from Warren sees playing time as a blocker for the run game and special teams. He’s an athlete who isn’t the fastest guy on the field, but he makes up for it with his football IQ.

There are questions about their departure, which always happens. That’s how everyone has a close relationship with someone who knows someone, who once met someone. Ignore all that nonsense because they’re the only ones who know and they probably won’t say anything anytime soon.

The bottom line is that none of this really matters. There are four games left on the schedule, and the Razorbacks must win every one of them.

The Ole Miss game on Saturday morning is the first and could set the tone for the rest of the year. They get a week off and then Texas comes to town. The Longhorns may have blown their way against Georgia and need to win the rest of the way to the playoffs.

The Razorbacks and Rebels kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Razorback Stadium on ESPN. You can also hear the game on ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs and 104.3 in Harrison Mountain Home in addition to the Razorback Sports Network.

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