Kirby Smart updates injury status of Mykel Williams, Javon Bullard

Kirby Smart had a somewhat promising injury update on Tuesday on a pair of defenders working their way back into the lineup for Georgia. Both Mykel Williams and Javon Bullard are getting close to being ready to play, Smart said.

He didn’t commit to a status for either for the trip to play at Auburn this Saturday, but Smart indicated it’s possible. He’ll get a clearer picture of if Williams and/or Bullard can go on Saturday as the week progresses.

“But again, those guys are probably going to be really close, right there with Ladd [McConkey] and Kendall [Milton]. So, it could be into the weekend before we know,” Smart said.

Both Williams and Bullard were able to run and do some limited work in practice early this week, Smart said.

“Mykel did some exercise today and felt better. Hoping he’ll be able to go. Don’t know that yet. Probably know more tomorrow. Javon was able to do more today. It was probably the best he had. He did walkthroughs, he ran on the side. He did some scout period stuff. Didn’t go with the good ole’ good stuff,” Smart said, seemingly referencing full-contact periods in practice.

Georgia is also trying to get McConkey in the lineup for the first time in 2023

McConkey has yet to play for Georgia this season, dealing with a back injury. Such a key part of Todd Monken‘s offense a season ago while winning a national championship, Mike Bobo and Carson Beck have not had his services quite yet. Thankfully, the wide receiver could be close to getting back onto the field.

Smart gave an update on where McConkey sits in the rehab process, saying he got involved with some plays during Tuesday’s practice. Even so, McConkey is not going to be rushed back onto the field. Smart wants to make sure he is back to full health before playing in a game.

“He did some things today,” Smart said. “He got to practice. He didn’t do much Monday. Ran routes, caught balls. And then today he got in plays and ran routes. I saw him some but I didn’t get to see enough to really judge it. I’m going to go watch the tape of the periods I wasn’t over there with him to see what he looks like.

“We’re just trying to progress him back slowly. Whether it’s this week or whether it’s the future. We’re not trying to rush him back.”