Kirby Smart talks Ladd McConkey’s impact, rehab process

The Georgia Bulldogs have been without star receiver Ladd McConkey in their first two games of the 2023 season. But as the conference portion of their schedule draws nearer, some fans are antsy about McConkey’s status going forward.

With SEC play set to start in Week 3, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart took some time to discuss his star receiver’s rehab process and the impact his absence has on the offense.

“Well, we have guys that have similar skill sets; they don’t have the experience,” said Smart. “I mean, we got guys capable of appealing the void left by Ladd, but we don’t have guys with the experience in this offense — two years, 15 games a year, 30 games experience. It’s just immense. So that’s the part we miss.”

“As far as his ability, he hasn’t been available. He’s been injured, and he’s trying to come back. And we’re trying to figure out all we can do to speed that process up.”

McConkey has played in two full seasons for Georgia after redshirting his freshman year in 2020. As Smart pointed out, he has played in 15 games in both 2021 and 2022, not missing a single game during both of the Bulldogs championship runs. In that time, McConkey has recorded 89 receptions for 1209 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns. He has also done his fair share of damage in the running game, recording 11 rushing attempts for 170 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

While Georgia has several young, talented wide receivers on the roster, few come close to the experience level of McConkey. And that is something that is much needed and appreciated, especially when it comes to SEC play.

Smart also provided injury updates on offensive lineman Austin Blaske and defensive back Javon Bullard, who are both questionable for Saturday’s showdown with South Carolina.

“Blaske, he’s working his way back: might be available,” said Smart. “He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve been around. So he’s trying to speed up that recovery and make himself available for this game. Javon is still a no right now. He’s out there practicing but wasn’t able to do a lot.”

Blaske is slotted behind red-shirt freshman Earnest Green at left tackle. His availability would give the Bulldogs much-needed depth at the position as they prepare for the most challenging part of their schedule. Bullard is Georgia’s starting strong safety. Although the Bulldogs have plenty of depth at that position, losing a fixture in their secondary could be problematic down the stretch of the season.