Despite a growing list of injuries, the Georgia Bulldogs still find a way to keep winning, with four victories over teams ranked inside the top-25.
But the injuries are concerning nonetheless, especially with an SEC Championship Game likely in Georgia’s near future.
With no game this weekend, the Dawgs will have an extra week to heal before playing Florida in Jacksonville on October 30.
Kirby Smart met with the media on Tuesday morning, went down the list and commented on some key UGA injuries.
Defensive back Chris Smith has been a playmaker all season for UGA. He left the Auburn game with a shoulder injury, but Smart mentioned that Smith practiced all last week. All indications are that Smith will good to be go for Florida.
“The plan was to play him (Smith) in our dime packages,” Smart said. “He practiced all week, (but) we ended up not having to play him in the game.”
KIRBY: “Chris (Smith) was cleared last game. He practiced all week and didn’t get into any DIME situations. He’ll be practicing all week.”
— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) October 19, 2021
Wide receiver George Pickens has missed the first seven games recovering from ACL surgery. Wide receiver Arian Smith, known for his olympic speed, has been dealing with a shin injury. Smart said they’re “hopeful” to get him back.
“He’s (Pickens) continuing to progress, (and) he’s able to do more and more each week,” Smart said. “He’s done some things in pregame warmups.”
KIRBY: “George (Pickens) is not cleared yet. We’re hopeful to get back Arian (Smith).
— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) October 19, 2021
Running back Kenny McIntosh is not yet cleared, per Smart. He has a hamstring injury. Senior cornerback Ameer Speed has been fighting an ankle injury and Smart said he’s not 100% yet.
KIRBY: Kenny McIntosh isn’t cleared. Ameer Speed is not 100% yet.”
— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) October 19, 2021
As for special teams coordinator Scott Cochran, Smart said the former Alabama strength coach is back with the program. Cochran left the Bulldogs in August due to personal reasons.
KIRBY: “Scott Cochran is officially back with us. Happy to have him back.”
— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) October 19, 2021
And Georgia’s biggest transfer of the offseason, former LSU tight end Arik Gilbert, has not yet played a down for Georgia due to personal reasons. Smart commented on that as well.
Kirby Smart says that Arik Gilbert is not back yet.
“He’s still continuing his journey, and we are still staying in communication with him. Everyone is pulling for (Arik) Gilbert.”
— Lance McCurley (@lancemccurley) October 19, 2021
Quarterback JT Daniels has only played in two games this season due to a lat injury. Smart updated Daniels’ injury status as well.
Kirby Smart says that JT Daniels’ “pitch count” has increased. He threw 65-70 times yesterday with Ron Courson, without pain, as the rest of the team did a walkthrough. Throws of 40-45 yards.
Says Daniels could get quality reps starting today.
— Jake Rowe (@Rowe247) October 19, 2021