Kirby Smart provides update on Georgia players who didn’t play vs. Ball State

As Georgia rolled to a 45-3 victory against Ball State on Saturday, there were a few key Bulldogs players who missed due to injuries. Coach Kirby Smart provided an update on there status following the game, giving an idea of when he expects them back on the field.

Running back Daijun Edwards missed last week’s season opener with an MCL sprain and, though he dressed out Saturday, did not see the field again. Smart said he could have played if the game had been more competitive, which is good news heading into Week 3.

“If we needed him, he was going to play,” the coach told reporters.

Edwards is the Bulldogs’ leading returning rusher after totaling 769 yards and seven touchdowns this past season. He’ll hope to do enough to make his debut next week, though his status will be one to monitor.

Georgia has also been without receiver Ladd McConkey, who is dealing with a back injury. Smart said in a update earlier this week that McConkey did not practice with the team ahead of their Week 2 matchup, and it seems he still has some work to do before getting game-ready.

“It’s still bothering him,” Smart said. “We’re fighting to get him back. I know he’s frustrated as anybody because he certainly wants to get back.”

McConkey finished behind only Brock Bowers this past season with 58 catches for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. Set to enter his fourth college season, the Bulldogs will hope he can get back quickly to provide a veteran presence for quarterback Carson Beck.

Finally, Smart gave provided some insight on where offensive lineman Austin Blaske is at. The coach revealed he suffered an MCL sprain in practice this past week, and set the timetable for his return at 1-2 weeks.

“He’s dealing with a MCL that occurred in practice,” Smart said. “Hopefully we’ll get him back. It might be next week or the following week.”

Georgia had somewhat of a slow start Saturday against Ball State as things were still scoreless after the first quarter. However, the Bulldogs went on to put up 31 points in the second and then 14 more in the third as they held a commanding lead entering the final 15 minutes.

We’ll see whether McConkey and Blaske can make enough progress with their injuries to play when Georgia kicks off SEC play in Week 3. The Bulldogs take on South Carolina at 3:30 p.m. ET in Athens.