Georgia Football Injury Update: Kirby Smart Provides Latest on Mykel Williams and Dillon Bell
Georgia opened its season on Saturday with a 34-3 win over Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the team didn’t escape the game without injuries.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams, defensive tackle Warren Brinson, and wide receiver Dillon Bell all exited the game due to injuries.
Head coach Kirby Smart revealed that Williams suffered a left ankle injury after being taken out by an illegal chop block in the third quarter. While X-rays came back clean, Smart remained cautious. With Williams out, Jalon Walker stepped up at outside linebacker, making back-to-back tackles for loss and recording 1.5 sacks.
Bell also left in the third quarter with what Smart described as leg cramps. Bell had four catches for 32 yards and a 27-yard run. London Humphreys led Georgia’s receiving efforts with two catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Brinson, who had been dealing with an Achilles issue during preseason camp, left in the first quarter with a contusion above his ankle after being stepped on. With Brinson out, Georgia primarily relied on Christen Miller, Nazir Stackhouse, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins at defensive tackle.
Safety Joenel Aguero didn’t play, with JaCorey Thomas stepping in for him. Georgia used Malaki Starks at nickelback and Dan Jackson and KJ Bolden at safety.
Running back Trevor Etienne missed the game due to suspension, while Nate Frazier led the team in rushing with 11 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown. Running back Roderick Robinson was seen on a scooter with a toe injury, and defensive linemen Xzavier McLeod and Jordan Hall did not dress for the game.