Kirby Smart offers positive injury update on Colbie Young, Chauncey Bowens as Georgia prepares for College Football Playoff
By Connor Riley, DawgNation Staff
ATHENS — Colbie Young's absence from the field since a leg injury against Ole Miss on October 19th has been a concern for Georgia fans. However, Kirby Smart provided some optimism on Sunday, suggesting the injury might not be season-ending.
"We discussed injuries today, and Colbie's name came up," Smart said. "While it's a bit of a stretch, we're far from the end of the season. When the injury occurred, I didn't envision him returning soon. There's been some positive signs in his rehabilitation, but it's more about what we might achieve if we advance. We'll have a clearer picture in the next 20-plus days."
Young, Georgia's top receiver, has caught 23 passes for 336 yards and a touchdown this season. His return would significantly boost the team's passing attack.
Noah Thomas, who played just one snap against Alabama due to a back injury, is another key player Georgia hopes to have back. The team's next game is against the winner of the Ole Miss-Tulane match, scheduled for January 1st at 8 p.m. ET, with ESPN broadcasting.
If Georgia wins, they'll face the Ohio State Buckeyes, Miami Hurricanes, or Texas A&M Aggies in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8th. Chauncey Bowens, the team's second-leading rusher with 516 yards and 6 touchdowns, also received positive news.
Bowens left the game in the fourth quarter after a 19-yard run, landing on his back. Despite the pain, he was fine after the game. Smart noted that Bowens had previously injured his leg, missing the Charlotte and Georgia Tech games earlier in the season.
Georgia's lengthy layoff before the next game could impact their performance. Last year, all four teams with first-round byes lost in the quarterfinals. The Bulldogs are the only team to earn a first-round bye in back-to-back seasons.
Smart dismissed the idea that the layoff was a factor, attributing it to the strength of their opponents.
Georgia's injury report also includes Noah Thomas (back), Joenel Aguero (wrist), Zion Branch (undisclosed), Drew Bobo (left foot), DB Kyron Jones (foot), RB Bo Walker (jaw), DL Jordan Hall (leg), TE Ethan Barbour (ankle), and DB Ondre Evans (knee).
Despite the injuries, Georgia has demonstrated its strength in the SEC Championship game and is now in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season.
