QB Nova practices as Rutgers preps for Arkansas

Published Sep. 18, 2013 11:11 p.m. ET

foxsports

Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova did a little more work at practice on Wednesday and his chances of playing against Arkansas this weekend are improving.

Nova returned to practice on Tuesday, three days after being knocked out of the Scarlet Knights' game against Eastern Michigan with a concussion on the opening series.

After practice, coach Kyle Flood was very optimistic that Nova and center Betim Bujari would play. Bujari missed last week's game with a head injury.

''Both Gary and Betim were able to do more today than they did yesterday,'' Flood said. ''I think that bodes well for both those guys on Saturday.''

Senior Chas Dodd replaced Nova last week, and finished 4-of-9 passing. He continues to gets reps in practice as a precaution.

Rutgers (2-1) has won consecutive home games since opening with a loss at Fresno State. Arkansas is 3-0.