Kirby Smart Reveals Untimely Setbacks For Georgia Weeks Before Season Opener

We are just under two weeks away from Georgia-Clemson to kick off the 2024 college football season in Atlanta. And the No. 1 Bulldogs are dealing with some untimely injuries as the team continues fall camp

It seems like there is a new injury development for UGA each week. On Tuesday, head coach Kirby Smart updated some preexisting ailments and revealed specifics on projected starting running back Roderick Robinson II.

Robinson, a sophomore, is dealing with "turf toe" and Smart is unsure on when the Bulldogs will get him back. Robinson was seen in a walking boot last week, but the specific nature of the injury was unknown until Smart's comments today.

Robinson finished as the team's third-leading rusher in 2023. He is expected to split carries with Florida transfer Trevor Etienne, but Robinson's status for the season opener is now in doubt. The Bulldogs could turn to redshirt sophomore Branson Robinson to fill the void, but he is working his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered in fall camp last year. It's unclear how much Georgia is willing to put on his shoulders just yet.

Additionally, Smart disclosed that Miami transfer wideout Colbie Young is dealing with a hamstring injury. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound threat caught 47 passes for 563 yards and five touchdowns for the Hurricanes as a junior.

Young had been performing well in fall camp and was expected to play behind returning starter Dillon Bell at the X-position. The severity of Young's injury is unknown. The Bulldogs were already short at wide receiver after the dismissal of returning starter Rara Thomas.

Smart also shared another injury along the defensive line in South Carolina transfer Xzavier McLeod, who's injury went unspecified. Smart didn't disclose when he might be back, either.

The defensive front has been decimated in fall camp. Though the injuries aren't season-ending, Warren Brinson (Achilles), Chaz Chambliss (hamstring) and Jordan Hall (stress fractures) have been limited. Hall, who required surgery on both legs for stress fractures, isn't expected to be available against Clemson.

There were a pair of positive updates from Smart than Georgia fans can find solace in. Starting center Jared Wilson, who has been limited with an Achilles injury, was a full participant in Saturday's scrimmage. Similarly, starting linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. was a full participant in practice as he works through a nagging foot injury.

All things considered, this isn't the first time Georgia has dealt with high-profile injuries ahead of the season opener. But there is a concern, at this point, with depth headed into a matchup with the AP No. 14 Tigers.

Georgia-Clemson is set for noon ET on Aug. 31 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium (ABC).

Related: Greg McElroy Reveals Potential Concern For Kirby Smart, Georgia