Pete Thamel gives update on Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey and Jase McClellan ahead of SEC title

Ahead of the SEC title game between 12-0 East champ Georgia and 11-1 West champ Alabama, ESPN’s Pete Thamel had some key injury updates to share on College GameDay.

Specifically, both teams have key offensive playmakers in question for today’s massive matchup. Thamel offered the latest on whether certain guys will play, and if so, how healthy they’ll be.

“A lot to watch pregame here in Atlanta. Alabama leading rusher Jase McClellan is going to be a game time decision with his foot injury,” Thamel reported. As for the Dawgs…

“For Georgia, Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers are both going to attempt to play, but don’t expect either to be 100%.”

So, not the most positive update for either team, but there is a chance all three players mentioned will suit up for the game. However, they just may not be at their full capability.

Kirby Smart’s comments on McConkey and Bowers this week

By Nick Schultz

Last week, Georgia went through its game against Georgia Tech without Bowers, McConkey and Rara Thomas due to injury. Kirby Smart made it clear they were dealing with injuries and, ahead of the SEC Championship, said they’ll “try to go” against Alabama on Saturday.

Smart said none of the three players got to practice much this week as they work their way back. The hope is they’ll be able to play, but Smart said the fact they haven’t practiced makes things tougher.

“Day-to-day,” Smart told Laura Rutledge on SEC Now Friday night. “They have not gotten much practice in during the week. We haven’t been able to take reps with those guys. They’ll try to go for the game. We’re hoping. They’ve been getting recovery, getting treatment.

“The toughest part is for the offensive staff, trying to plan around who you do have and who you don’t have. They’ve been out. Marcus Rosemy-[Jacksaint] missed a day this week, on top of the other guys. So it’s been really tough. We hope to get some back.”

Smart then explained what he’ll look for from the injured guys in pregame warmups ahead of the SEC title game.

“See how they feel, see if they’ll be able to go and compete. It’s hard when you don’t practice all week. They were part of some walk-throughs, but they haven’t practiced all week, have been unable. It’s really been tough on Rara and Ladd. Brock was able to do some running and some things.

“Neither one could go last week, and I don’t know if they’ll be able to go for this one, so we’ll see. It’s tough because those guys are our leading pass-catchers, when you start looking at it.”