Pete Thamel: Georgia DL Mykel Williams suffered Grade 2 ankle sprain vs. Clemson, questionable in Week 2
Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams left the Bulldogs’ season opener versus Clemson with an ankle injury. Seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot after Tigers’ running back Phil Mafah committed an illegal block against him in the third quarter of Saturday’s game.
But college football insider Pete Thamel provided a somewhat positive report regarding Williams’ injury on Tuesday. Revealing that the injury is not a serious one in the grand scheme for Williams and Georgia’s 2024 season.
“Mykel Williams injured his ankle, a Grade 2 sprain against Clemson in that opener at Mercedes Benz. He’s questionable this week against Tennessee Tech,” Thamel said on College Football Live.
The Bulldogs will more than likely not need Williams on their defensive line to win their home opener against the Golden Eagles. With this Saturday allowing him to properly rest and recover from his left ankle sprain and give other members of Georgia’s defensive line the opportunity to get some reps.
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But Thamel does expect to see Williams back on Georgia’s defense the following week for their first conference game of the season on the road in Lexington.
“The good news for the Bulldogs, it’s not serious and there’s optimism that for the SEC opener, which is big for Georgia in the macro, he’ll be back at Kentucky the following week,” Thamel said.
Williams, a 6-foot-5 and 265-pound defensive lineman that many have projected as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, returning for SEC play would be significant for the Bulldogs. Williams could very easily be the next Georgia defensive lineman to dominate at the college level and earn himself a first-round pick in the draft.
Before leaving Saturday’s game, Williams still managed to record two tackles for loss and lead the Bulldogs with three QB pressures. Williams was named All-SEC Second Team last season after leading Georgia with 4.5 sacks along with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 18 tackles, two passes defended, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble on the season.
Williams undoubtedly will be a key, impact player on Georgia’s defense this season. And one that can hopefully recovery quickly and return to their starting lineup at full health just in time for the elevated stakes of SEC play.