Kirby Smart addresses if Brock Bowers is back playing at full strength

Georgia TE Brock Bowers made his return from an ankle injury this past weekend in the Bulldog’s 35-point win over Ole Miss. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s at his very best, though, according to Kirby Smart.

Smart addressed Bowers’ snap count against the Rebels during his press conference on Monday. He reminded everyone that the amount of snaps isn’t necessarily indicative of where he is physically considering how many snaps he usually sees.

“He didn’t play every snap of every game anyway. So I don’t know,” said Smart. “You’d have to look and see his snaps in the other games. I don’t know – I’m sure he had more snaps in other games.”

Regardless, Smart highlighted that the most important aspect is that Bowers is good enough to play and not be at risk of re-injury. He may not be playing in tip-top condition yet but, with where he was at in his rehab and with his desire to return, Georgia opted to let him go and will continue to do so.

“He’s in good shape. He’s conditioned. I don’t know that he’s 100%. But he’s healthy and safe enough to play,” said Smart. “We’re going to allow him to play as long as he wants to. He wanted to go out there to compete and play.”

Bowers returned in the 52-17 win over Ole Miss with three catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. The score was his fifth of this season, which keeps him at the team’s top spot, while it also brought his season’s statistics up to team-highs of 44 catches for 601 yards.

Bowers’ successful return is all that matters for Georgia as they look to close out this season and defend their titles in the conference and in the College Football Playoff. That’s why, obviously, Smart is glad to have the ‘Dawg’s star target back in the fold.

“I don’t think it’s a matter of how many snaps he can take. I think he’ll be fine,” said Smart.

Smart provides injury updates on Julian Humphrey, Warren Brinson

Kirby Smart provided update on DB Julian Humphrey and DL Warren Brinson following Georgia’s victory over the Rebels this weekend.

Smart started with Brinson, who entered the game a little big banged up.

“I think Warren had a calf strain. He’s been battling with that,” Smart said. “He felt like he’ll be OK. I didn’t notice it being really bad, but he did not go back in.”

Brinson had one tackle on Saturday. On the year, the senior has appeared in 10 games with three starts. He has 10 tackles, one sack, and 14 quarterback pressures so far this season.

As for Julian, Smart wasn’t sure what exactly caused him to leave the game.

“And then Julian? I’m not sure whether it was a stinger or what but he was not able to return,” Smart said. “So hopefully we’ll get him back. But I don’t know right now.”

The redshirt freshman has appeared in nine games this season. He has made 11 tackles and has one pass breakup.