Georgia Bulldogs standout safety Javon Bullard went down in first quarter of the Ball State game with an ankle injury. Bullard was unable to play against South Carolina after he tried to give it a go in warmups.
Georgia safety David Daniel-Sisavanh started in place of Bullard against South Carolina. Safety Dan Jackson, who had a fourth quarter interception against South Carolina, also saw more action in Bullard’s absence. Sophomore safety Malaki Starks is Georgia’s other starter.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart noted on Sept. 19 that Bullard has not returned to practice, so it is unlikely he will play in Week 4 against UAB.
He (Bullard) hasn’t been able to do much. He warmed up (against South Carolina), didn’t feel great in warmups, so we shut him down and hasn’t done much this week in terms of practice. I asked him today, and he is underwater running, got a boot on, but he has not been able to practice.
Bullard is a key cog in the Georgia defense. He was named the defensive MVP of national championship and the College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State. Bullard is playing safety, which is his usual position, after playing the star position at a high level in 2022.
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Bullard’s combination of speed and sure tackling helps the Georgia pass and run defense play at an elite level. Bullard finished last season with two interceptions, 46 tackles, and 3.5 sacks. Bullard was a 2023 preseason All-SEC selection.