Kirby Smart updates injuries to Ladd McConkey and Len'Neth Whitehead

Georgia’s offensive playmakers have been a little banged up during training camp, but according to head coach Kirby Smart, a couple key guys are on the mend.

The most consequential piece of the offense dealing with injury concerns at the moment is 2022’s lead wide receiver, Ladd McConkey. He proved to be an extremely versatile piece who shuffled through several spots on offense and even recorded 134 rushing yards a year ago.

Per Smart, at his most recent press conference, the rising junior dealt with a lingering back issue this fall but is already back in fifth gear.

“Ladd is doing great,” updated Smart on Monday, noting that McConkey did have to miss time but is doing A-okay now.

“We had to shut him down for a little bit. He had a back injury, but he’s fine. He’s dealt with it before, he’s had it last year. He practiced Saturday and it was good and he’s expected to be out there today. So he should be fine.”

Smart was also asked about running back Len’Neth Whitehead, who joins several other backs to deal with recent injuries. He missed all of the 2022 season when he was at Tennessee due to surgery on an upper-body injury. But this time, Smart says it’s one of Whitehead’s knees that’s causing issues.

“In terms of Len’Neth, he’s dealt with a little bit of a knee injury. During camp, it was bothering him. He’s battled back from that.”

Some good news there on Whitehead, who Kirby Smart says is finding his place among the tailbacks.

“He’s trying to learn our offensive system still and pick up on things and kind of find where he fits in this running back room. And he’s done a good job giving us a great look and continue to work and get opportunities. There’s certainly a lot of opportunities at the running back position for guys to get carries and show us what they can do.”

When Whitehead last took the field, he was a terrific rotational guy for the Volunteer backfield. He totaled just 32 carries in his redshirt freshman season in 2021, but he made ’em count by going for 207 yards and two touchdowns, good for a 6.5 yards-per-carry average. The injuries are a concern, but this young playmaker has flashed some serious talent prior to joining the Dawgs.

The good news is: Whitehead and McConkey are both looking 100% as UGA barrels towards the season-opener.