Kirby Smart provides postgame injury update on Darnell Washington

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart updated the status of TE Darnell Washington after he was injured in the first half of the Bulldogs’ 42-41 win over Ohio State. Washington came out of the halftime tunnel with crutches.

“Hard to tell right now. It’s an ankle sprain. I don’t know if it’s high or low. He tried to go back and couldn’t go back on it. We’ll have to evaluate and see,” Smart said postgame. “The good news is he’s got more than a normal week. I know he’ll do everything he can to get back. He’s headed out west toward where he’s from. It will be important to him to try to get back.”

Prior to his injury, Washington had been a force in all 13 games this season. His 26 receptions have gone for 417 yards and two touchdowns. Those stats aren’t so flashy, but playing alongside star TE Brock Bowers, Georgia gets the most out of Washington’s 6-7, 260+ pound frame in the run game as a big-bodied blocker.

It’s unclear as of Sunday morning Washington’s status for the national championship game against TCU next week. Kickoff is set for Monday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET live from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Kirby Smart: Georgia has things to ‘clean up’ before facing TCU

Georgia fans can breathe, as Kirby Smart was able to hold on against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl. TCU will be the opponent in the College Football Playoff national championship game, with kickoff just over a week away. While some will want to get right back into the action, Smart wants to take a pause.

When speaking on the podium with Rece Davis postgame, Smart admitted Georgia still have a few things to clean up. Yes, a win is a win, but allowing 41 points to Ohio State is not something the head coach is going to be happy with. Even the offense sputtered at times before coming alive in the clutch.

“Well, after watching that performance, we got a lot to clean up,” Smart said. “We got a lot to clean up tomorrow.”

Smart was not 100% critical though, praising how his team fought through everything. Winning a CFP semifinal game is never an easy task, even for a dominant program such as Georgia. Especially against a program such as Ohio State.

“I’m so proud of these guys,” Smart said. “They never say quit. They never say die. They were like a sniper tonight. They came out shooting and they never quit shooting.”

Now, Georgia will be looking to win another national championship and its second under Smart. TCU will be the only thing in their way, hoping to win the Big 12’s first title since Texas back during the classic 2005 season.