The Georgia Bulldogs are facing a major setback as they prepare for their highly anticipated matchup against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns in Austin. The team will be missing a key defensive player, linebacker Smael Mondon, due to a foot injury. This will be Mondon’s third missed game of the season, as reported by Rusty Mansell from Dawgs HQ.
Mondon’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Bulldogs’ defense. In his four games this season, the talented linebacker has already tallied 17 tackles, with four of those resulting in losses, and has contributed half a sack. His performance has been pivotal in Georgia’s defensive strategy, and his loss is expected to impact the team’s ability to control Texas’ explosive offense.
Georgia is also dealing with injuries on the offensive side. Running backs Roderick Robinson and Branson Robinson are both out of action. Roderick is sidelined with a toe injury, while Branson is recovering from an MCL injury. Adding to the Bulldogs’ offensive concerns, starting right guard Tate Ratledge will miss the game due to an ankle issue, further complicating the team’s offensive line situation.
Head coach Kirby Smart provided updates on several injured players during a press conference earlier this week. One bit of good news for Georgia is that running back Chauncey Bowens, who missed the previous game against Mississippi State with an undisclosed injury, is expected to be back in action. Bowens has returned to practice and looks set to provide some much-needed depth in the Bulldogs’ depleted backfield.
“He’s fine. He’s practicing,” Smart said of Bowens. “He had a little injury he was dealing with last week but he’s been practicing all this week.”
Defensive lineman Jordan Hall, who has been dealing with leg injuries since the start of the season, is another player who could return for Saturday’s game. However, Smart cautioned that Hall’s workload will likely be limited as he continues to recover.
“Jordan’s done more than he has the last two weeks,” Smart stated. “He’s been out there repping, taking reps with us, and getting better. But Jordan’s situation has been a long process, and he’s still managing pain that comes and goes unexpectedly.”
Meanwhile, the offensive line may see some reinforcement, as starting center Jared Wilson, who has missed two games with a foot injury, has shown signs of improvement. Backup Drew Bobo has been filling in during Wilson’s absence, but Smart mentioned Wilson could potentially step in as an emergency option if needed.
“Jared’s been practicing. Seems to be doing more the last two days than he has in previous weeks,” Smart shared. “That’s a positive sign, and he was able to take part in practice today.”
As Georgia heads into this crucial matchup with several key players either out or limited, the coaching staff will need to adjust their game plan accordingly. The Bulldogs will rely on depth and resilience as they face a formidable Texas team on Saturday night, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Georgia Injury Report:
- RB Roderick Robinson – toe
- RB Branson Robinson – MCL
- OL Tate Ratledge – ankle
- LB Smael Mondon – foot
- DL Jordan Hall – lower leg
- OL Jared Wilson – foot
- RB Chauncey Bowens – undisclosed
These injuries will test Georgia’s depth across multiple positions, but the Bulldogs are known for their adaptability and deep roster. Fans will be watching closely to see how Georgia adjusts in the absence of these key players against the Longhorns.
