Georgia's Darnell Washington, Tykee Smith set to return from injury
Georgia tight end Darnell Washington and defensive back Tykee Smith are cleared of injury.
“Darnell Washington and Tykee Smith are back,” head coach Kirby Smart said during his Monday press conference. “They got a good workout in Saturday and ran really well. They’re doing everything this week full go…We’re under the expectation they’ll be able to go and play, and be able to help us.”
Background on Darnell Washington and Tykee Smith
Both were recovering from what was described by Georgia as foot injuries. The injuries occurred during mid-August in fall camp. Both players have missed the opening four games of the 2021 season.
Washington, a 6-foot-7, 265-pound tight end from Las Vegas, Nevada, played in 10 games for the Bulldogs as a freshman in 2020, starting 7. He accounted for 166 yards on 7 receptions, good for 23.7 yards a catch.
Smith, meanwhile, was an offseason transfer from the West Virginia Mountaineers. In his 2020 season, the Philadephia, Pennsylvania native was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, as well as being named to several All-American teams and All-Big 12 teams.
Stepping up in their absence
The Bulldogs have not been hampered without Washington and Smith.
While Smith was expected to occupy the STAR role, senior Latavious Brini has taken the lead at the position and has broken up three passes to go along with fourteen tackles, good for third on the team in that category.
Meanwhile, in Washington’s absence, freshman tight end Brock Bowers has filled in quite admirably. The Napa, California native leads the team in receiving yardage (272), receptions (18), and touchdowns (4). Bowers has also started all four games this season. He was recently named SEC Freshman of the Week.
Timing is right
Adding weapons back is great news for Georgia, as the Bulldogs get ready for a key contest on Saturday against a red-hot Arkansas Razorbacks team.
Sam Pittman’s squad heads to Athens 4-0 on the season and ranked as high as No. 8 according to the AP Poll. It will be the former Georgia offensive line coach’s first time back to Sanford Stadium since accepting the head position with the Hogs.
The Bulldogs play host on Saturday at 12 P.M., with the game being carried on ESPN. Georgia walked away with a win in the previous meeting, 37-10, last season in Fayetteville.
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