Numerous Arkansas Players, Coaches Out vs. Missouri Due to Mumps Outbreak

A mumps outbreak will reportedly cause a number of Arkansas Razorbacks football players and coaches to miss Friday's game against the Missouri Tigers.

According to John R. Nabors of ESPN Arkansas, "around 15 or so Razorback players and a few coaches" were expected to be held out due to the illness.

Trey Schaap of 103.7 The Buzz reported that cornerbacks coach Mark Smith is among the coaches who were diagnosed with mumps.

Earlier this week, the University of Arkansas released a statement regarding a mumps outbreak on the school's campus:

"Consistent with a recommendation made by the Arkansas Department of Health for all University of Arkansas students and in conjunction with University efforts in response to diagnosed cases of mumps on campus, Razorback Athletics is providing its student-athletes, coaches and staff access to an additional dose of MMR vaccine. While student-athletes may or may not have been personally exposed to those individuals with confirmed cases, their daily interaction with others on campus, including other student-athletes, poses the possibility such exposure could adversely impact their health and well-being. Razorback Athletics remains committed to maintaining the health, safety and well-being of all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff members."

Per the Mayo Clinic's official website, mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands that is preventable through vaccines. In addition to swollen salivary glands, mumps can cause fever, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.

Arkansas has lost each of its past eight games, and each of its past five losses have come by 26 points or more. One of the team's biggest issues has been its carousel at quarterback, and that will continue Saturday.

Jack Lindsey is set to start against Mizzou, marking the Razorbacks' fifth different starting quarterback this season. The junior from Fayetteville, Arkansas, has completed three of his four pass attempts for 51 yards and one touchdown this season.

Arkansas will look to avoid going 2-10 in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. Meanwhile, Missouri is playing for little during Friday's game in Fayetteville despite being 5-6 since it is banned from playing in a bowl game this season.