Kirby Smart updates status of Ladd McConkey, Darnell Washington, Chaz Chambliss vs TCU

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is hopeful to get wide receiver Ladd McConkey back for the national championship game against TCU, in addition to other injured Bulldogs.

“(I am) hoping (Ladd McConkey) is going to be even better this week,” Smart said in reference to McConkey’s knee injury.

Elsewhere, Smart said he was hopeful to get tight end Darnell Washington and defensive lineman Chaz Chambliss back for the game Monday. 

McConkey was a top target of Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Stetson Bennett, connecting for 675 yards and five touchdowns on 51 catches. Only tight end Brock Bowers is better on the stat sheet for Georgia this season.

While speaking on a national championship conference call, Smart acknowledge Arian Smith got a lot of reps at wide receiver leading up to the Peach Bowl due to McConkey’s injury.

McConkey finished the game with two catches, but for -1 yards in the game, making him largely a non-factor.

But as the top pass catcher outside of Bowers, a return against the Horned Frogs would be a welcome boost.

Washington injured his ankle during the win over the Buckeyes. Smart did not have any immediate update on any of the players other than hoping to have them all back for the final game of the season.

According to ESPN’s Marty Smith, who spoke to Smart Monday, the injury to Washington was not an ankle sprain, but a “soft tissue contusion and strain” which does not require surgery and could give Washington a better chance to play in the game, compared to a sprain.

Washington played in all 14 games for Georgia up to this point. A foot injury kept him out of the first four games in 2021. 

Another foot injury sidelined him during spring practice this year. However, when he’s been on the field, Washington has been a weapon. This season Washington posted career high totals with 27 catches, 426 yards and two touchdowns.

Chambliss played in 12 games this season and was banged up against Ohio State, registering just one tackle in the game. He has 14 total tackles, seven solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season.“I’m so proud of these guys,” Smart said of his team after the win over Ohio State. “They never say quit. They never say die. They were like a sniper tonight. They came out shooting and they never quit shooting.”