Kirby Smart updates injury status of multiple Georgia players

Georgia football held its first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday, but there were a few players unable to go due to injuries. Speaking after practice, coach Kirby Smart provided an update on their status with right at three weeks to go until the season kicks off.

Smart began with Mississippi State transfer receiver Rara Thomas, who is expected to be a starter this season. Thomas suffered a hamstring spasm, but has practiced every day so far including Saturday.

“Rara did everything today,” Smart said. “He was good. I think he had a hamstring spasm, not a pull. So the practice that we had, he practiced, he just didn’t start with his position. He’s practiced each day and hasn’t missed a day but has been held out of portions.”

Smart next turned his attention to the running backs room to offer an update on Kendall Milton. The senior is also dealing with a hamstring issue that he suffered within the past week. His outlook is a bit less clear than Thomas’, however.

“Kendall has not been able to completely go, but he’s trying to get back as best as he can,” Smart said.

Milton isn’t the only running back on Georgia’s roster struggling with injury, however. Sophomore Branson Robinson is still working his way back from a foot injury, but has been able to get some reps in despite not being quite back to 100%.

“Branson goes in individuals, but he’s not cleared to go yet,” Smart said. “He’s on track to get back earlier than we originally thought but he’s not back yet. But he does do individuals because that’s great exercise for him. That’s reps. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. But no, he did not scrimmage.”

Finally, Smart offered brief updates on a trio of Bulldogs defenders. Starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter is still not back from a foot sprain. Defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (foot) and cornerback Chris Peal (toe) were also among the players who did not scrimmage.

“Kamari’s much closer with the foot sprain,” Smart said. “(Dawkins) is much closer. Chris Peal’s got a turf toe that he’s been battling. Doing his best to get back.”

Georgia will hope to give each of these players time to recover from their injuries as they prepare kick off the season. The Bulldogs will begin their national title defense on Sept. 2 in a matchup against Tennessee-Martin.