Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne left the Florida game with a rib injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game. With his injury, the running back group is down to two backs that have played meaningful snaps.
Nate Frazier and Cash Jones helped the Bulldogs leave Jacksonville with a win. Frazier accounted for 82 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Jones added three receptions for 37 yards and touchdown.
Georgia already had depth concerns at running back before Etienne’s injury during the Florida game. Now, the concern moves to the Bulldogs’ game against No. 12 Ole Miss. During the Monday presser, coach Kirby Smart updated the status of Etienne.
“(Trevor) Etienne, I feel good about. He felt good yesterday and did some things yesterday with our guys. I don’t know a lot until we get out there and practice today, but we’ll certainly see how he feels, if the trainer feels good about him. The big thing is just his ability to sustain and deal with a little bit of pain because he’s going to have some there. But he’s a tough kid, and I think he’ll do well with it,” Smart said.
With the way Smart was talking, it seemed Etienne is good to go, but pain tolerance may be a concern. Another player in the running back room that is still injured is Roderick Robinson. Robinson who has been out since the beginning of the season due to turf toe injury that required surgery. Smart updated his status and a couple of his teammates before the game on Saturday.
“We’re hopeful to get those guys back is the biggest thing. I don’t know at one point it’s going to happen. But each one of those guys are rehabbing, working their butts off and hoping to get back to help the team soon,” Smart said.
There are still some things Robinson has to do to get back on the field for the Bulldogs this season. Georgia is also without running back Branson Robinson, who suffered a knee injury a few weeks ago. If Etienne is ready to go against Ole Miss, expect a heavy workload for him, Frazier and Jones to relieve pressure on Carson Beck in the hostile environment of Oxford. Georgia could also give a few more carries to Dwight Phillips.