Kirby Smart Gives Injury Updates on Key Bulldogs Ahead of Alabama Matchup
The No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs just completed their third straight undefeated regular season on Saturday by defeating the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets 31-23 in Bobby-Dodd Stadium.
The Bulldogs turn their sights to the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship game as College Football Playoff birth is on the line for both schools.
The 'Dawgs didn't play the Yellowjackets at full strength on Saturday as head coach Kirby Smart's program has been dealing with injuries all season long.
Georgia held out tight end Brock Bowers, receivers Ladd McConkey and Rara Thomas as well as lineman Tate Ratledge due to varying injuries. Smart addressed their status on Sunday on an SEC Championship Game Conference call.
“As far as last night, Brock was probably the closest to being able to go of those guys,” Smart said. “Just didn’t feel as good as he had. He was a little sore. We wanted to be able to use him situationally or see what he could do if he felt comfortable with it, and just didn’t think that he could go. Nothing about who we’re playing or anything else. He’s got to be able to go compete at a high level and be able to feel good about what he’s doing. We didn’t feel that he had that last night.”
“And Tate, he maybe could’ve played, but he was not 100%. And we’re hoping to get him back. As far as the other guys go, it’s gonna be, to me, day-to-day. I mean, we just don’t know anything. We certainly don’t know anymore today because we haven’t done anything.”
Bowers had ankle surgery earlier in the year and is dealing with fallout from that. McConkey sprained his ankle against Ole Miss, Thomas hurt his foot against Tennessee while Ratledge injured his knee against the Vols.
The Georgia Bulldogs enter the SEC Championship game as a 4-point favorite and look to make history by winning three national championships in a row.
