Kirby Smart offers latest on rehabbing Bulldogs, Georgia injuries entering home opener
ATHENS, Ga. — It’s another week in Athens, and the Bulldogs have been on the practice field twice so far in preparation to play Tennessee Tech. Not all players have been available to participate in full though. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart offered updates on five different defensive players all dealing with injuries. DawgsHQ has that for you below.
DB Joenel Aguero (pulled muscle) – A projected starter at STAR, Aguero missed the opener with some sort of a pull suffered in the lead-up to taking on Clemson. It led to snaps for Malaki Starks in the nickel defender spot and some different looks for the defense. Smart wouldn’t go as far as to say that Aguero is back to 100%, but he’s been practicing in full and sounds probable to give it a go on Saturday.
DL Warren Brinson (ankle contusion) – Brinson is ahead of the rest of these guys but behind Aguero. On Tuesday, the veteran leader of the line of scrimmage was out there and “moved around pretty good” per Smart. He’s got a shot to play Saturday but might not be rushed back based on the fact he had a prior injury during fall camp.
EDGE Mykel Williams (ankle sprain) – Smart said on Monday that Williams would be questionable for this week. Based on what he shared Tuesday, it feels fair to say he’s likely doubtful. The edge defender is dealing with a Grade 2 ankle sprain that’s “not a long term deal.” He’s been present at practice and around for walk-throughs but a non-participant.
Defensive linemen Jordan Hall (leg) and Xzavier McLeod (undisclosed) were also discussed as they continue to make their way back from respective injuries. Hall suffered from a pair of leg injuries, breaking a bone in each of his legs, during fall camp. McLeod also missed the opener and is thought to have an injury of medium length. Both are rehabbing with Hall impressing Smart in the process.
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Smart’s full quotes on each of the injuries can be found below…
On injuries to Joenel Aguero, Warren Brinson, Mykel Williams…
“Yeah, it’s a soft-tissue injury. Joenel practiced and did everything today. I wouldn’t say he’s 100%, but he practiced and did everything. Warren did some things, was out there, moved around pretty good. I would say that Joenel’s ahead of Warren, but Warren’s got a shot. Mykel’s out there watching our guys, doing rehab, being at all the walkthroughs and things, but he’s not participating.”
On rehab process for Jordan Hall, Xzavier McLeod..
“Yeah, they’re both doing great, man. They were running today, flying around, sideline running, not practicing, but running, straight line, cutting. I’m fired up. I mean, Sunday or Monday, I looked out my office. Two days run together, Labor Day, but Jordan was out there smoking it across the field, and excited. He was up at 5:30 in the morning on game day, rehabbing on his own – beat Ron in there – riding a bike in Atlanta. I mean, he is a different dude when it comes to rehab. He has attacked it and dove all in. I think he’s probably a little ahead of McLeod because dealing with different muscle tissue-type injury. He also hasn’t really ever had a significant injury. But they’re both pushing.”
Top-ranked Georgia (1-0) takes on Tennessee Tech Saturday at 2:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network+. For information on how to stream that game, click here.
