Georgia running back returns after missing entire 2023 season

The Georgia Bulldogs were without one of their top running backs for the entire 2023 season.

Fortunately, Branson Robinson is finally back on the field.

A torn patellar tendon ended Robinson's 2023 season before it began last August . Nearly a year later, head coach Kirby Smart told reporters that Robinson has been cleared to practice without limitations heading into fall camp. However, the Bulldogs head coach also noted that the team will be limiting his workload as they ease him back into the swing of things.

“It’s not a shock to me that he’s able to start going without limitations,” Smart said. “But the load management is critical because you can’t take someone who hasn’t done everything and just throw them into everything. We’ve got to be smart about that. It’s certainly promising.”

Robinson was a 4-star running back back in 2022 out of Mississippi. He was considered one of the top running backs in the country with offers from basically every top SEC program. He ultimately decided to play for the reigning national champions at the time by going to Georgia.

As a true freshman, Robinson saw some decent action in Georgia's backfield. He carried the ball 68 times for 330 yards and three touchdowns. He even scored a pair of touchdowns in the College Football Playoff national title game against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 65-7 blowout win.

Now, Robinson will finally get a chance to see the field again, and the Georgia head coach is excited to see what he can bring.

“I remember thinking, golly, this guy was getting ready to have a great season, great camp and then he has to go back,” Smart explained. “You forget the blitz pickups, you forget all the things he missed out on that he didn’t get a chance to do. Now, I know he’s looking forward to it and we’re excited to get him out there.”