ATHENS, Georgia — Coach Kirby Smart warned on Thursday that he still doesn’t know whether receivers Ladd McConkey and Rara Thomas, as well as tight end Brock Bowers, will be available for Georgia’s SEC Championship Game.
Smart stated, “I’m trying to figure that out myself,” prior to Saturday’s SEC teleconference against Alabama. “As of right now, I have the same answers as I did on Monday. They haven’t had much opportunity to act. In practice, each person has worked somewhat independently
This week at practice, McConkey and Thomas have done some running, and Bowers has “spun in” some drills and team work, according to Smart, who added that he would find out later on Thursday about their availability.
In the team’s 31-23 victory over Georgia Tech last week, all three of the players—who are among the top five in receiving yards—were sidelined.
Bowers skipped Georgia Tech’s game because, according to Smart, the star tight end experienced soreness following warm-ups. After missing just two games due to tightrope surgery to treat a high ankle sprain, Bowers participated in the previous two games.
Bowers skipped Georgia Tech’s game because, according to Smart, the star tight end experienced soreness following warm-ups. After missing just two games due to tightrope surgery to treat a high ankle sprain, Bowers participated in the previous two games.
Despite having a low-ankle sprain during the victory over Ole Miss, McConkey still managed to finish with 81 receiving yards and a touchdown. He didn’t suit up last week and attempted to play the following week against Tennessee before leaving after a few snaps.
Thomas did not suit up last week due to a foot injury sustained at Tennessee.
What we are aware of their availability
The idea that Georgia Tech’s injured receivers and guard Tate Ratledge were fit enough to play but were benched to benefit Alabama, according to Smart, disturbed him.
The rumors circulating that we sat these guys for the most recent game annoy me. That was by no means the final instance. They were unable to leave. And I’m not sure if they’ll be able to participate in this match,” Smart remarked. “Having those kinds of injuries is just unfortunate, especially with four starting offensive players.”
The rumors circulating that we sat these guys for the most recent game annoy me. That was by no means the final instance. They were unable to leave. And I’m not sure if they’ll be able to participate in this match,” Smart remarked. “Having those kinds of injuries is just unfortunate, especially with four starting offensive players.”
Ratledge was wearing a uniform, and Bowers was the player who was closest to being able to play, going through warmups. As they have since the beginning of the preseason, Georgia’s practices have been closed to the media this week. However, program sources express optimism that Bowers and McConkey will play and that Thomas has a chance.
