[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- Arkansas coach Houston Nutt said Monday he does not expect last year's leading receiver Marcus Monk to play Saturday at Alabama.

Monk is recovering from two arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee, including the most recent on Aug. 28. He missed the Razorbacks' season-opening 46-26 victory over Troy on Sept. 1.

Tight end Ben Cleveland, who caught the game-winning overtime touchdown against Alabama last season, is also doubtful with a neck injury.

"Right now, we're not counting on them," Nutt said.

A 6-foot-6, 220-pound senior, Monk caught a school-record 11 touchdown passes last season and finished with 962 receiving yards, which was 727 more than any other Arkansas player.

"He's a fantastic player," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said. "I think he's got great size. He's a great blocker. He's a mismatch player because of his size, and he's got great hands."

ALABAMA NOTEBOOK: Hogs' Monk, Cleveland likely out- al.com

[Stoney]

This is either a ploy or an excuse and I'm not sure which. Saban will have the Tide ready to Roll come Saturday.