Kirby Smart discusses Dillon Bell’s role in backfield amid injuries

The Georgia Bulldogs backfield is still banged up and recovering, allowing some of the young talent to step in and showcase their skills. Surprisingly, one of the players who has shown an impressive ability to tote the rock hails from their wide receiver room. Sophomore wideout Dillon Bell has gotten a few opportunities earlier in the season to take a few snaps out of the backfield, and he has performed well in those instances.

As Georgia prepares for their upcoming matchup against UAB, head coach Kirby Smart took time to discuss Bell’s role in the Bulldogs backfield with all the injuries they are currently dealing with.

“Well, he’s got a package. And the package each week, they’ve tried to expand it and go piece by piece because we think he’s a very valuable receiver. And that’s why he remains a receiver for us,” said Smart.

“His package the first week was a few plays. His package the next week was a few plays. We’ve added plays each and every week. He does pass pro; he does learn protections. He’s really a very physical player. He plays on special teams, (and) strikes people. 210 pounds, so he’s bigger than Cash (Jones) and some of our other backs.”

This year, Bell has done more damage as a ball carrier than the receiver for Georgia. Currently, he has six catches for 64 yards with a season-long 17-yard reception. On the other hand, as a running back, he has carried the ball 10 times for 51 yards, two touchdowns, and a season-long 21 yards.

Smart updates where Amarius Mims is in his recovery process

Running back isn’t the only position where the two-time defending national champions have been bitten by the injury bug on offense. Georgia’s offensive line has a few players sidelined too. Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims is dealing with an ankle injury that will keep him out for a significant amount of time. He left Saturday’s contest against South Carolina in the second quarter, with Smart saying it could be an ankle sprain.

However, tightrope surgery on the ankle was required for Mims. Smart revealed the procedure has already taken place, meaning Mims has started the recovery process. A good sign for Georgia even if he is not going to be on the field for a chunk of the season.

“It’s already taken place,” Smart said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.

When asked if Mims was doing well, Smart replied “Yep.”

With the injury to Mims occurring over the weekend, Smart initially thought it was an ankle sprain for Mims. During his postgame press conference, he did not exactly know the severity of it. But we know now tightrope surgery was required, potentially keeping him out for 4-6 weeks.