Kirby Smart updates recovery process for Brock Bowers: 'Right on schedule'

Georgia coach Kirby Smart provided an update Tuesday on the status of star tight end Brock Bowers, who suffered a sprained ankle and underwent tight-rope surgery to repair it.

Typical recovery timeframes for the injury are four to six weeks, but it can occasionally take longer.

“He’s working hard. He’s doing all he can in terms of trying to get himself in shape and get better,” Smart said. “He’s back running now on dry land. We’re hoping that he keeps getting better. That’s kind of the MO on this injury. Every kid we’ve had so far that’s had it, Week 1 they do this, Week 2 they do this, Week 3 they do that, Week 4. He’s right on schedule for the things he’s been doing.”

Bowers suffered the injury on Oct. 14 against Vanderbilt, so there’s a chance he could return by the postseason if all goes well. Of course, there’s a long way to go to get there.

But the fact that Bowers is running on land again is an encouraging sign for the Bulldogs.

The team could certainly use him healthy. He’s one of the most advantageous players on the field when healthy, a complete mismatch in the passing game at tight end.

So far this season Brock Bowers has recorded 41 catches for 567 yards and four touchdowns. He leads the team in receiving despite missing the past two games.

Smart was asked for further clarification on whether some of the recovery is simply pain tolerance.

“I’ve never had it either, so I can’t answer that. I don’t know,” Smart said. “Some guys say it hurts worse than others. Luckie shared his experiences with Brock, and (Jamaal Jarrett) had two of them. Cash (Jones) has had one. But I mean (Amarius) Mims has obviously had one. From what I hear it’s more painful in the beginning and it’s like a rollercoaster ride, it has its ups and downs and moments and you continue to push through it and you get better as you go.”

Mims is one example of the surgery that Georgia will hope Bowers doesn’t follow quite as closely. Mims suffered his injury on Sept. 16 against South Carolina and still has not returned.

Georgia has three regular season games remaining: against No. 9 Ole Miss, at No. 13 Tennessee, then at Georgia Tech.

This week’s game against the Rebels is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday, with a broadcast slated for ESPN.