Last week the Georgia Bulldogs had a bye following their 41-24 loss to Alabama. That gave the team to correct their mistakes, rest up and heal some wounds after a physical contest against the Crimson Tide. Heading into Saturday’s game against Kentucky, the Bulldogs still have a few players banged up and head coach Kirby Smart is ‘hopeful’ that his guys can play this weekend.
Sophomore running back Kenny McIntosh suffered a knee injury against Alabama and was taken out early on in the game. McIntosh didn’t practice much last week and has been limited this week. Senior inside linebacker Monty Rice hurt his foot before the contest against the Crimson Tide but still played recording six tackles while playing limited snaps.
Smart spoke to the media Tuesday and gave updates on those two players.
“We’re hopeful on Kenny that he will be able to play and it’s the same with Monty,” Smart said. “He was able to practice in a limited amount with his foot sprained. He was able to go in the Alabama game, and we certainly are thankful for that. We gave him some time off in the off week and recover. His biggest focus was to maintain his cardio.”
Through the first four games, Rice is Georgia’s leading tackler with 24 total stops. He had a big game against Tennessee and scored his first touchdown on a strip-sack. McIntosh has been one of Georgia’s most valuable players on special teams as he ranks second in the nation in kickoff returns averaging 36.3 yards per attempt. Although on offense, the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida native only has 92 rushing yards on 19 carries with four receptions for 51 yards.
Smart talked about wide receiver Matt Landers, who hurt his shoulder against Tennessee, and also about offensive lineman Owen Condon.
“Yeah, Matt is good,” Smart said. “He practiced today. He’s good. He’s still got lingering effects but we think he’s going to be able to play and he’s done a good job. Owen, I think he’s at 95 percent. He’s taking all the reps with the twos at right tackle and he’s back good to go.”
Landers has been the scapegoat of some criticism for a ball he didn’t catch against Tennessee, where it looked like he didn’t give enough of an effort to make the play. The redshirt junior only has 2 receptions for 27 yards on the season, and they came against Arkansas in the season opener. Condon made some noise in the preseason and got his first ever start against Arkansas at right tackle. He also played the entire second half against Auburn, but has since then been battling an injury.
Smart’s Tuesday Presser:
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