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Georgia DB Joenel Aguero injury rumors 'misinformation' per Kirby Smart

On3 imageby: Jake Rowe08/27/25JakeMRowe
Joenel Aguero Georgia
Georgia defensive back Joenel Aguero (8) before Georgia’s game against Auburn on Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

Word got around Tuesday evening that Georgia might be dealing with its first significant injury of the preseason. Rumors of an ankle/lower-leg injury for junior defensive back Joenel Aguero swirled around the internet, but Kirby Smart did his best to put that speculation to bed on the SEC coaches’ teleconference on Wednesday.

“I guess you’re referring to some misinformation that came out or whatever from last night,” Smart said. “Joenel is the STAR. He’s completely fine. He’s healthy and ready to go. Looking forward to him continuing to grow and get better.”

By most accounts, Aguero has stood out this August. Entering his second season as a starter, the former four-star safety strengthened his grip on the starting STAR position with a strong preseason camp. He followed that up with a couple of rock-solid scrimmage performances.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 47 overall prospect and No.3 safety in the 2023 class per the Rivals Industry Rankings, Aguero had an up-and-down sophomore season. He played in 11 of Georgia’s 14 games while making five starts. A hand injury limited him late in the year, causing him to miss a couple of games. Aguero was also out for UGA’s 31-3 season-opening win vs. Clemson.

When the dust settled on his first season as a full-time contributor, Aguero had amassed 26 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a quarterback hurry. In addition to working at the STAR/Nickel position, a role he began prepping for as a true freshman, Aguero has also worked at safety during preseason camp.

With all of that said, Smart is not always the most forthcoming when it comes to injuries. The words “day-to-day” often mean something much different for the Bulldogs than they do to fans. Time will tell whether or not Aguero is available when Georgia takes on Marshall to start its 2025 season, a game that will kick off a 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. If Aguero is forced to miss time, Smart gave a little clarity on who else has been working at the all-important position.

“Jaden (Harris) works at STAR,” Smart said. “Dink (Rasean Dinkins) works at STAR. A couple of our safeties work at STAR as well.”

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