The Georgia Bulldogs could be getting a big boost to their offensive line when they face the Florida Gators on Saturday.
Head coach Kirby Smart told reporters on Monday that he is “hopeful” starting right guard Tate Rutledge, who had tightrope surgery following Georgia’s win over Kentucky, will be available this weekend.
“We are hopeful,” Smart said. “We think he’s going to be able to give us something. He worked some last week and took some reps. Hopefully he’s ready to go. I know this game is really important to him.”
Over the last four games, Micah Morris has been the one to step up with Ratledge sidelined.
Smart also gave an update on defensive end Mykel Williams, who suffered an ankle injury in Georgia’s season opener against Clemson.
Williams has played limited snaps until he’s back to full health.
“Well, Mykel is still not full, I mean, he wasn’t last week in terms of full strength and all the way back,” Smart said. “I wanna be clear on that. I mean, I think people look at the output against Texas and think he didn’t play a lot of snaps. And he didn’t play probably the 100% role that he was playing against Clemson.
“We think he’s gonna be much better this week. We did a lot of rehab with him last week, but I don’t know where he is. What does he allow us to do? He gives us depth, he makes everybody else better around him. He’s certainly a hard player to block, plays the run in pass well. So I’m happy to have him back. I just hope he is 100%.”
Smart did not provide updates on linebacker Smael Mondon (foot), running backs Branson Robinson (knee) and Roderick Robinson (toe,) or Jordan Hall (legs).
