The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) are encountering some uncertainties regarding their defensive front as they prepare for a top-five showdown against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) on Saturday night.
In their Week 3 victory over Kentucky, Georgia was without three key players, including two starters, on the defensive line. However, there may be a change this weekend at Alabama following a bye week that allowed Mykel Williams, Warren Brinson, and Jordan Hall to recover.
Williams and Brinson sustained ankle injuries during the season opener against Clemson in Atlanta, causing them to miss the subsequent two games. Head coach Kirby Smart has indicated they are nearing a return.
“I feel good about Warren,” Smart stated on Tuesday. “Mykel’s going to be close.”
Warren practiced in a limited capacity last week but was ultimately ruled out against the Wildcats according to the SEC’s availability report. Senior Brinson has continued to practice this week, which is a positive sign for Georgia.
Williams’ injury is more serious; he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 ankle sprain and was seen wearing a boot during the home opener against Tennessee Tech in Week 2. Smart mentioned he is uncertain about a timeline for the former All-American and highlighted the necessity for Williams to practice before returning.
“He’s got to be able to practice,” Smart said. “He’s got to be able to compete, run, put pressure on it. He’s doing a great job of rehab. He made significant progress this weekend by putting in extra time, and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Hall, a sophomore, has been sidelined with stress fractures in both legs since preseason and has yet to play this season. His return date remains unknown, but Smart noted that the former five-star recruit had started running before the Kentucky game.
The conference will issue pregame availability reports on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday before the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
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