Hi
For AVST Programming interface protocol you could find more details under the link below:
https://docs.altera.com/r/docs/683673/25.1/agilextm-7-configuration-user-guide/avalon-st-configuration
An external host could be used to program the FPGA and HPS configuration only.
The Uboot image and rootfs would need to be placed in a storage that could be access once the HPS is brought up.
https://docs.altera.com/r/docs/683389/24.3/agilextm-7-soc-fpga-boot-user-guide/external-configuration-host-only?tocId=9tEVMrA4qj2m8MzryMnyuw
Regards
Jingyang, Teh