Ladd McConkey expected to miss game vs. South Carolina due to back injury

Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey is not expected to play in Saturday’s game against South Carolina, On3’s Matt Zenitz reported. McConkey hasn’t played this season as he comes back from a back injury.

McConkey was a huge piece of Georgia’s offense last season, hauling in 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns as he helped the Bulldogs to a second straight national championship. His absence means Carson Beck will be without a top weapon once again as Georgia welcomes Shane Beamer’s group to Athens.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart spoke earlier this week about how Georgia can go forward without McConkey, but noted how valuable his experience is to the roster.

“We have guys that have similar skillsets. They don’t have the experience,” Smart said. “I mean, we got guys capable of appealing the void left by Ladd. But we don’t have guys with the experience in this offense — two years, 15 games a year, 30 games experience. It’s just immense. So that’s the part we miss.

“As far as his ability, he hasn’t been available. He’s been injured, and he’s trying to come back. And we’re trying to figure out all we can do to speed that process up.”

The Bulldogs headman said McConkey’s absence isn’t for a lack of trying, though.

“We’re trying everything we can to get him back,” Smart said. “He’s trying everything he can to get back.”

Saturday will mark Georgia’s first SEC matchup of the season after two non-conference tune-ups. Through those games, Mekhi Mews has emerged as the Bulldogs’ leading receiver with 102 yards and a touchdown while Mississippi State transfer Rara Thomas has added 90 yards. Star tight end Brock Bowers is sure to be a focal point of the offense yet again and ranks third on the roster with 81 receiving yards.

Another key player working his way back is tight end Lawson Luckie. He underwent a “tightrope” surgery on his ankle in August, and Smart said it doesn’t appear he’ll be back anytime soon as he recovers.

“He’s working his butt off and fighting to get back out there. Don’t have a timetable for when that would be. He ends up having that tightrope surgery. I know he’s dry-land running and is moving around, but he’s still got a way to go,” Smart said.

Kickoff between Georgia and South Carolina is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET from Sanford Stadium.