Kirby Smart updates status of Ladd McConkey, Warren McClendon

It’s looking more and more likely that Georgia will have its full wide receivers room ready to go for the Peach Bowl against Ohio State.

Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart believes that Ladd McConkey should be able to suit up for Sunday’s College Football Playoff matchup despite dealing with a knee injury throughout bowl prep.

Junior offensive tackle Warren McClendon, who has been dealing with an MCL injury, is expected to play barring any setbacks as well, according to Smart.

“We’re excited to get those guys hopefully back, and we’ll see how they do this week,” Smart said.

McClendon was injured during the SEC Championship win over LSU earlier in the month, and his health remains a “question mark,” according to sources close to On3’s DawgsHQ. His status will be updated throughout the week, but Smart seems hopeful that solid practice performances throughout the week will propel his offensive lineman back into the lineup.

For McConkey, he had hardly practiced before Christmas since going down with his knee injury during the LSU game. He was able to practice Monday and looked good, according to the same source. His injury occurred late in the first half, and Smart aggravated preexisting tendonitis in his knee. 

McConkey has been Georgia’s most productive receiver this season, hauling in 51 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns while also adding 120 yards and two more scores in the running game. He ranks third in total yards from the Bulldogs’ offensive skill positions this season, trailing only Kenny McIntosh and Brock Bowers.

Whether McConkey and McClendon are able to suit up or not, the Peach Bowl will kickoff live from Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. Kickoff inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET live on ESPN. Georgia has opened as 6.5-point favorites over Ohio State.