Kirby Smart provides update on Ladd McConkey’s rehab process

Ladd McConkey has yet to play for Georgia this season, dealing with a back injury. Such a key part of Todd Monken‘s offense a season ago while winning a national championship, Mike Bobo and Carson Beck have not had his services quite yet. Thankfully, the wide receiver could be close to getting back onto the field.

Kirby Smart gave an update on where McConnkey sits in the rehab process, saying he got involved with some plays during Tuesday’s practice. Georgia plays against Auburn on Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium, their first road game of the season.

Even so, McConkey is not going to be rushed back onto the field. Smart wants to make sure he is back to full health before playing in a game.

“He did some things today,” Smart said. “He got to practice. He didn’t do much Monday. Ran routes, caught balls. And then today he got in plays and ran routes. I saw him some but I didn’t get to see enough to really judge it. I’m going to go watch the tape of the periods I wasn’t over there with him to see what he looks like.

“We’re just trying to progress him back slowly. Whether it’s this week or whether it’s the future. We’re not trying to rush him back.”

Georgia has three SEC games on its immediate plate, with two of them occurring on the road. Before facing off against Florida in Jacksonville, there will be a bye week squeezed in there. McConkey will have plenty of time to rehab until then and Smart will make sure his return time fits what everyone is trying to accomplish.

Ladd McConkey coming off career season in 2022

McConkey has been a staple in the Georgia offense over the past two seasons. There was a significant amount of improvement in 2022 though, setting his career high in receptions (58), yards (762), and touchdowns (7). He was even a threat when taking a handoff, averaging 19.1 yards per carry on seven attempts and adding two touchdowns.

While getting back to those numbers will likely be difficult with already missing four games, the hope for McConkey is that his impact can grow in 2023. The Georgia offense does look a bit different after some people left the program but McConkey has the chance to be the consistent face in the room. Once the back injury is fully healed up, you just know the wide receiver is going to have an immediate impact.