Georgia anticipated that right guard Tate Ratledge, running back Roderick Robinson II, and wide receiver London Humphreys would all be labeled as out for Week 6 versus Auburn when the SEC availability reports were released on Wednesday. But one of the Bulldogs who will be watching Saturday’s game from the sidelines at Sanford Stadium is a defensive starter.
Smael Mondon Jr., a senior linebacker, was added to the availability report and is now labeled as out, meaning he will miss the season’s first game. On Monday, Mondon gave a press conference. After Georgia’s Week 5 loss to Alabama 41-34, no update on his ailment had been given, so it seems likely that Mondon’s injury happened during practice.
This season, Mondon has played the ninth most defensive snaps for Georgia and the second most of any off-ball linebacker, trailing only sophomore CJ Allen. Georgia’s greatest coverage backer is Mondon, but Allen has been the more proficient tackler and more successful against the run. Despite being targeted seven times in coverage this season, Mondon has only given up two yards on four receptions.
In his absence, Georgia’s middle defense will be largely inexperienced, and sophomore Raylen Wilson’s snap count will increase. In addition to relying on Allen and Wilson at linebacker during their sophomore campaigns, Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann have also used true freshman safety KJ Bolden, who has played the fourth-most snaps on the team.
Terrell Foster, a redshirt sophomore, is another player who may see his workload rise. Additionally, Bolden’s freshmen teammates CJ Cole and Justin Williams might see the field three times this season. Played against Tennessee Tech and Clemson in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively.
Georgia football injury report for Week 6
OUT (toe) for Roderick Robinson II, RB
Smael Mondon Jr. LB: OUT (undisclosed)
Humphreys, London, WR: OUT (illness)
Tate Ratledge, RG: Not in the knee or ankle
DL Jordan Hall: Dubious (leg)
DL Mykel Williams: Most likely (ankle)
White Sacovie, WR: Most likely
Jared Wilson (C): Most likely
Humphreys and Ratledge will miss their second straight game; Humphreys has mononucleosis, and Ratledge has multiple lower-body injuries that will keep him out until November at the earliest. Robinson is still recovering from preseason surgery for a turf toe injury he sustained during fall camp.
Center After missing Week 5, Jared Wilson is anticipated to participate. Ratledge is a standard backup center, thus in the event that Wilson is unable to play, Drew Bobo, the offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s son, had to start in Wilson’s stead.
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