Key Player Has Been Slammed Out Of Season…

Georgia football injury updates: Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey and others

ATHENS, Georgia — Coach Kirby Smart warned on Thursday that he still doesn’t know whether receivers Ladd McConkey and Rara Thomas, as well as tight end Brock Bowers, will be available for Georgia’s SEC Championship Game.

Smart stated, “I’m trying to figure that out myself,” prior to Saturday’s SEC teleconference against Alabama. “As of right now, I have the same answers as I did on Monday. They haven’t had much opportunity to act. In practice, each person has worked somewhat independently.

This week at practice, McConkey and Thomas have done some running, and Bowers has “spun in” some drills and team work, according to Smart, who added that he would find out later on Thursday about their availability.

In the team’s 31-23 victory over Georgia Tech last week, all three of the players—who are among the top five in receiving yards—were sidelined.

Bowers skipped Georgia Tech’s game because, according to Smart, the star tight end experienced soreness following warm-ups. After missing just two games due to tightrope surgery to treat a high ankle sprain, Bowers participated in the previous two games.

Despite having a low-ankle sprain during the victory over Ole Miss, McConkey still managed to finish with 81 receiving yards and a touchdown. He didn’t suit up last week and attempted to play the following week against Tennessee before leaving after a few snaps.

Thomas did not suit up last week due to a foot injury sustained at Tennessee.

What we know about their availabilities

The idea that Georgia Tech’s injured receivers and guard Tate Ratledge were fit enough to play but were benched to benefit Alabama, according to Smart, disturbed him.

“It bothers me that people said out there that we sat these guys for the last game. That wasn’t the last case at all. They couldn’t go. And I don’t know if they’ll be able to go in this game,” Smart said. “It’s just unfortunate to have those kinds of injuries, especially four starters on offense.”Ratledge was wearing a uniform, and Bowers was the player who was closest to being able to play, going through warmups. As they have since the beginning of the preseason, Georgia’s practices have been closed to the media this week. However, program sources express optimism that Bowers and McConkey will play and that Thomas has a chance. If something goes wrong before the game, that might change, but given how important it is, all signs point to them playing if they can.

Georgia (12-0) is the top-ranked team in the College Football Playoff rankings but could fall out with a loss, especially if No. 4 Florida State and No. 7 Texas win their conference championship games.

Other Georgia injuries

The starting right guard, Ratledge, may make a comeback after missing time with Georgia Tech. Ratledge’s knee sustained a bone bruise during the Tennessee game. After Xavier Truss, who had started at guard and tackle, was moved to right guard by Georgia in his place, the line performed admirably. However, Ratledge started for the line that may be among the best in the nation, so he will start if he returns to full health.

“Tate has been able to do some drill work, some 11-on-11 stuff,” Smart said.

Inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, a preseason All-SEC selection, is anticipated to miss four straight games due to a forearm injury. If Georgia advances, the goal is to have him back for the playoffs.

Smael Mondon, the other starting inside linebacker, has been playing through an unspecified injury.