Latest Georgia Bulldogs injury update means it might be walk-on Cash Jones' time to shine vs. Clemson

Kirby Smart delivered some not-so-good injury news on Monday morning as the Georgia Bulldogs gear up to take on Clemson in their season opener on Saturday.

Per Smart, the Dawgs will be without returning lead rusher Roderick Robinson II, who underwent surgery to repair a toe injury.

"Rod's toe is still an issue for him," Smart said . "Anytime you go into a season ask what do you have? You really don't know what you have. Rod Did have surgery on his toe. There's no timetable set yet for return."

In addition to Robinson, the Bulldogs could be without their projected starting running back Trevor Etienne, who is rumored to face game suspension for his March DUI arrest.

However, Smart would not confirm, nor deny, Etienne's gameday availability.

"I don't really talk about any of the other stuff in regards to any of our players with suspensions," Smart said. "But I'm excited about all the guys that are gonna get an opportunity to play."

Don't Panic, The Bulldogs Have Quality RB Depth

If it comes down to two of their top backs out of the lineup, the only other experienced backs on their depth chart are sophomore Branson Robinson and 2021 walk-on Cash Jones.

Robinson returns after suffering a season-ending ruptured patella injury during last year's fall camp. Prior to the injury, Robinson played in 12 of 15 games where he rushed 68 times for 341 yards in 2022.

Meanwhile, Jones, a red-shirt junior, played in all 14 games for the Bulldogs in 2023. He showed off his dual-threat abilities as he rushed for 161 yards and one touchdown on 22 attempts while hauling in another 92 yards and one touchdown on 11 catches.

If Jones is expected to step up on Saturday, the Dawgs will be in good hands since Smart made it clear earlier in fall camp that he has plenty of confidence in him .

"Cash is a guy they just don't give enough credit to. He's great at picking things up. I feel like Trevor is the leader of the room and understands things. He does a really good job of setting the tempo and setting the standard."

Behind Jones, the Bulldogs have three freshmen in line: Chauncey Bowens, Nate Frazier, and Dwight Phillips Jr. Of the trio, Frazier is the one who is most gameday ready.

Related: Georgia HC Kirby Smart speaks highly of Clemson's Dabo Swinney ahead of Week 1 clash