Georgia football is coming off one of its most significant victories of the season, defeating Tennessee 31-17 at home. This win is a pivotal moment for the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff aspirations, as they now control their path to securing a spot in the 12-team playoff field.
While the excitement is high, Georgia fans are also concerned about the team’s ability to make a deep playoff run due to injuries to several key players in recent weeks. On Monday, head coach Kirby Smart addressed the media, sharing updates on the status of three crucial players as the team prepares for this week.
Trevor Etienne Injury Update
Head coach Kirby Smart provided an update on Trevor Etienne’s status during a media session via 247sports.com. “In terms of Trevor, we’re hoping to get him back,” Smart said. “Ribs are a painful injury, and while I’m not sure of the exact term, he does have a rib injury. We’re hopeful he’ll have an opportunity to return.”
Etienne, Georgia’s standout running back, is a player fans are anxiously watching. He sustained a rib injury a couple of weeks ago against Florida and has struggled with it ever since. Although he attempted to play against Ole Miss last week, it was evident that he wasn’t at full strength.
Missing Saturday’s game against Tennessee further heightened concerns, especially with injuries piling up in the running back room. Getting Etienne back is critical for Georgia, but rushing his recovery could jeopardize his availability for a potential playoff run.
Smart did not specify a timeline for Etienne’s return but expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of him playing this Saturday against UMass.
DB Joenel Aguero Injury Update
Head coach Kirby Smart provided an update on defensive back Joenel Aguero’s status following an injury he sustained during the Ole Miss game. “Joenel had a pin put in his pinky,” Smart explained. “He was cleared to play last week but had difficulty using his hand effectively because of tenderness and the challenge of playing with a club. He practiced and was available, but it wasn’t ideal.”
Despite the setback, Aguero is healthy enough to participate and should be closer to full readiness this week after more recovery time and adjustment to playing with the club. Georgia is hopeful that he’ll be fully prepared for Saturday’s game.
OL Micah Morris Injury Update
Head coach Kirby Smart shared an update on offensive lineman Micah Morris, who has been sidelined due to injury. “Micah was close to being able to go and might have been available in an emergency on Saturday, but he’s not fully healthy,” Smart said. “He’ll be working today and trying to get back.”
Morris, who has started five games at guard for Georgia this season, missed the Tennessee game. Fortunately, his absence didn’t impact the Bulldogs, as Tate Ratledge stepped up in his place and performed so well that he earned SEC Co-Offensive Line Player of the Week honors.
Still, getting Morris back to full health remains crucial for Georgia. With Ratledge having already missed a significant portion of the season due to his own injury, depth along the offensive line is essential. The sooner Morris returns, the more secure Georgia’s depth will be for the stretch run.
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