Ladd McConkey ruled out for remainder of Georgia vs. Tennessee due to stiff back

As the Georgia offense got off to a hot start against Tennessee, there was one notable absence. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey didn’t have a target through three quarters and was seen on the sidelines as the second half went along.

According to CBS’ Jenny Dell, Georgia coach Kirby Smart decided to rule McConkey out as a precaution after his back stiffened up.

“I just double checked with Georgia personnel to see what was going on with Ladd McConkey. We haven’t seen much of him. He actually got stiff in this game, so coach is going to sit him for the rest of the game,” Dell said. “Remember, guys, he has been dealing with those disc issues in his back all season long.”

McConkey missed the first part of the year due to injury and made his return to the lineup for Georgia’s game against Auburn in September. In six appearances, he has 26 catches for 418 yards and two touchdown to help bolster the Bulldogs’ offense.

McConkey’s biggest game came in the rivalry game against Florida after Brock Bowers went down with a high ankle sprain. He hauled in six receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown as he, effectively, announced he was all the way back.

That performance also got McConkey some NFL Draft hype from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

“Here’s a guy they need at Georgia because of the Brock Bowers injury,” Kiper said on Monday Blitz. “Ladd McConkey has come back from a back injury, he has been on the field the past few weeks. But he was in outstanding, pre-injury form against Florida in The Cocktail Party this past Saturday. Six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.”

His return, along with Bowers’ health, are two reasons some were wondering if UGA was starting to separate itself from the rest of the College Football Playoff field. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy was among that crowd, praising the amount of playmakers Georgia has after the Bulldogs took back the No. 1 ranking in last week’s top 25.

“One thing that we’ve talked about for a while since the Playoff was introduced in 2014 was in order to win championships, you have to score points,” McElroy said. “Georgia, and albeit maybe for a little while reluctantly under Kirby Smart, they’ve now completely evolved into a drop-back passing attack led by Carson Beck, who I think still as of this moment is among the most underrated players in the country at his position.

“He’s got … maybe the most dynamic and versatile weapon in Brock Bowers with Ladd McConkey that is now really coming into his own with some other really talented pieces, as well. The offensive line is solidifying.”