Georgia could get key receiver back ahead of SEC opener vs. South Carolina
As Georgia prepares for their first taste of SEC action in 2021, their pass game could get a huge boost. According to Kirby Smart, wide receiver Kearis Jackson could be ready to play receiver this weekend against South Carolina.
This summer, Jackson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. Since then, he’s limited his action to punt returns — hoping to ensure a complete recovery and confidence in the knee that was worked on.
“He’s working hard and he’s been much improved this week,” Smart said. “We think he has a good chance of helping us this week, so we’re certainly hopeful he can.”
Last season, Jackson led Georgia in receptions with 36. Additionally, he accumulated 514 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs have been injury-stricken at the pass-catching position. In addition to Jackson, wide receivers George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock are both recovering from ACL surgeries.
Moreover, tight end Darnell Washington is still recovering from a foot injury. While he’s out of his boot according to Smart, he’s still not ready to play.
Furthermore, Smart mentioned how a lot of his receiving corps has been off the field this season.
“We have a lot of players that have not played a lot of football at that position, and we’re trying to grow those guys to gain confidence,” Smart said. “You guys only see the finished product on Saturday, but we get see them every day and we hope they get better.”
While Georgia erupted on offense against UAB last week, the return of Jackson would give their offense a huge boost heading into SEC play.
Smart on Georgia QB injuries
While Georgia may be getting Jackson back, the injury bug is going around the quarterback room. After missing last week’s game, Smart offered an update on starting quarterback JT Daniels.
“JT (Daniels) feels much better he’s continued to improve,” Smart told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s better now than he was Saturday. I don’t know that he’s 100% but he’s certainly getting closer to that. Stetson (Bennett) is repping, JT is repping and Carson’s (Beck) repping”
Moreover, Smart added an update on Stetson Bennett, who started on Saturday in relief of Daniels.
“Stetson’s actually got some lower back issues that he strained some stuff but he’s able to go but I don’t know if he’s 100%,” Smart said. “He’s been dinged up since Monday morning but he went out and practiced as well. So they’re all three practicing. I think Carson’s 100% healthy but the other two are still pushing back.”
Daniels missed Saturday’s game against UAB with an oblique strain. In his stead, Bennett silenced the doubters and had the best game of his career. To illustrate, Bennett went 10-for-12 for 288 yards and five touchdowns, winning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts.
So far, Georgia has gotten the job done despite injury woes. Still, Georgia needs Daniels, Jackson and the rest of the team’s offensive playmakers if they want to reach their goals.