Georgia head coach Kirby Smart met with the media on Monday and was immediately asked about the long list of players that are injured as the team prepares for their matchup against Florida this upcoming weekend.
There were some pretty notable names that got hurt on Saturday, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Senior defensive linemen Julian Rochester suffered a knee injury and junior nose tackle Jordan Davis was seen on the sideline with a sling on his arm.
Smart confirmed that Rochester will out Saturday against Florida and he ‘hopeful’ that Davis will be able to go.
“Jordan [Davis] is going to be day-to-day. Jordan has a chance to be able to play, and we’re hopeful he’s able to play,” Smart said. “It’s his elbow, his injury. We’re hopeful to be able to get him in a brace and don’t know if he’ll be able to play or not.”
Which is good news because Davis was taken out very early in the game. Other notable players that were taken out of the game against Kentucky were inside linebacker Quay Walker, offensive linemen Ben Cleveland and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson. Smart said that all three of those guys are expected to play against Florida, and he also said that safety Lewis Cine might be available.
Two players that missed the game against Kentucky, wide receiver George Pickens and running back Kenny McIntosh, are also presumed to play.
“Ben (Cleveland) should be fine. George and Kenny are continuing to work and do what they did last week. We’re hopeful they’re able to play,” Smart said. “They’re certainly further out from their injuries, and we’re hopeful they’ll be able to. I can’t tell you any more than that, because I don’t know a lot. They’re rehabbing every day, Ron (Courson) updates us every day, and we’re hopeful they’re able to play. Matt Landers should be able to go.”
Smart did comment on senior safety Richard LeCounte’s status as well.
“Obviously, thoughts and prayers go out to friends, family, and Richard. (Courson) told me he was moved from an ICU room to a regular room,” Smart said. “Our team took a bunch of video messages to him yesterday. We’re expecting a full recovery.”
LeCounte was involved in a motorcycle accident on Saturday evening and is expected to miss an undisclosed amount of time.
As unfortunate as it is, Georgia has a ton of talent that the coaching staff has recruited to replace any of these if neccessary.
“It certainly affects you. You don’t have as many guys available, so it limits your availability and your ability to play more players,” Smart said. “At the end of the day, we have a lot of guys that practice who don’t get to play, and now will. Those guys work really hard for those opportunities. I look forward to seeing them play, to be honest with you. That’s what they came to Georgia to do, to play in some of these big games.”
Here is the video from Smart’s Monday press conference: