Brock Bowers, Amarius Mims spotted at Georgia practice following late arrival to Orange Bowl prep

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and offensive tackle Amarius Mims were not spotted with the team when the Bulldogs arrived for the Orange Bowl earlier this week. However, on Friday, the two standouts were seen practicing with the team, per DawgsHQ.

The pivotal pair’s statuses have been in flux ahead of Georgia’s massive matchup against Florida State. UGA head coach Kirby Smart didn’t add any clarity to the situation when questioned by reporters earlier this week.

“Right now, we’ve got our guys that are healthy playing,” Smart said. “Guys that are completely healthy cleared to play, they’ve all said they’re going to play.”

Brock Bowers and Amarius Mims are here pic.twitter.com/SVrKzRaLGj

— DawgsHQ (@DawgsHQ) December 29, 2023

Bowers is considered a top 2024 NFL Draft prospect and could decide to sit out the Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State to preserve his health and begin working toward the draft.

He was a superstar for Georgia over the past three seasons, tallying 2,538 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, while also adding 193 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. Bowers could have amassed even more offense if it wasn’t for a mid-season obstacle.

After suffering an ankle injury during the second quarter of Georgia’s Week 6 win over Vanderbilt, Bowers underwent tight-rope surgery on his left ankle. Just 26 days after going under the knife, Bowers returned in Georgia’s statement 52-17 win over Ole Miss.

Smart discussed Bowers’ options more in-depth.

“That’s up to Brock. Brock’s been with us the whole time and he’s been doing all the things he’s got to do,” Smart said. “It’s more important though that he’s 100%. The guy probably played earlier than he should have, came out there and competed his butt off. He’s done everything he can for Georgia. He’s not 100%, so it makes it a little harder to do.”

Kirby Smart discusses Amarius Mims’ situation

Bowers isn’t the only one who underwent tight-rope surgery this season. Mims started to see consistent starts on the offensive line during this season. Nonetheless, he constantly battled injury and eventually had to get surgery.

Mims has appeared in seven games with six starts this year. With his limited minutes, Mims has garnered attention ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Yet, his status for the bowl went up in the air after he reaggravated his ankle injury against Alabama in the SEC Championship.

While Bowers and Mims’ presence will comfort fans, only time will tell who will take the field for the Bulldogs. Fans won’t have to wait long. On Saturday, the two teams will go head-to-head at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.