Georgia’s defense began to get healthier in Week 5 against Alabama with the return of Mykel Williams and Warren Brinson. However, heading into Week 6, the Bulldogs will be without linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., a key loss for their defense.
When the SEC availability reports came out on Wednesday, Georgia anticipated that right guard Tate Ratledge, running back Roderick Robinson II, and wide receiver London Humphreys would be listed as out for Week 6 against Auburn. However, they received additional bad news as senior linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. was also added to the list, sidelining him for the first time this season. Mondon had spoken to reporters on Monday, and since no injury update followed Georgia’s 41-34 Week 5 loss to Alabama, it’s likely the injury occurred during practice.
Mondon has been a key player on Georgia’s defense, logging the ninth most snaps overall and second most among off-ball linebackers, trailing only sophomore CJ Allen. While Allen has been the better tackler and run-stopper, Mondon stands out as Georgia’s best linebacker in pass coverage. He’s been targeted seven times this season, allowing just four receptions for a total of two yards.
With Mondon out, sophomore Raylen Wilson is expected to see more snaps, leaving Georgia with a relatively young group in the middle of the defense. Head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann will lean on Wilson and Allen, while true freshman safety KJ Bolden, who has played the fourth most snaps on the team, may take on more responsibility. Redshirt sophomore Terrell Foster could also see an increased workload, and freshmen CJ Cole and Justin Williams, who played in Weeks 1 and 2, may see the field for the third time this year.
Georgia Football Week 6 injury update
Georgia’s Week 6 availability report outlines several key injuries heading into the game against Auburn:
- Roderick Robinson II (RB): OUT (toe) – Still recovering from preseason surgery for a turf toe injury sustained in fall camp.
- Smael Mondon Jr. (LB): OUT (undisclosed) – A new addition to the injury report, set to miss his first game this season.
- London Humphreys (WR): OUT (illness) – Will miss his second straight game due to mononucleosis.
- Tate Ratledge (RG): OUT (ankle/knee) – Sidelined for a second consecutive game with multiple lower-body injuries, likely out until November.
- Jordan Hall (DL): Questionable (leg) – Status uncertain for Week 6.
- Mykel Williams (DL): Probable (ankle) – Expected to play after returning last week.
- Sacovie White (WR): Probable.
- Jared Wilson (C): Probable – Expected to play despite leaving Week 5 with an injury.
If Wilson is unable to go, Drew Bobo, son of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, would step in at center as Ratledge, the usual backup, is unavailable.
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