Kirby Smart updates status of 3 injured Georgia football starters

The Georgia Bulldogs had several key injuries that impacted their rivalry win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In Georgia's 16-9 win, starting center Drew Bobo, who entered the game dealing with a hand laceration, left the game due to an ankle/foot injury.

"Not sure," Georgia coach Kirby Smart on Bobo. "Got an ankle, foot. Not sure." With Bobo out, Georgia turned to back up center Malachi Toliver.

"Thank goodness Malachi (Toliver) got the time he got the week before to go in there and play," Smart added on how Georgia played with Bobo out. "There was one run that we thought would have got out and been an explosive that he didn't quite get the guy. But I don't honestly know until I watch that tape."

Bobo was not Georgia's only injury along the offensive line. Offensive tackle Earnest Greene also left the game before returning.

"Earnest is such a tough kid, man," Smart said. "He's going through a lot right now. His family, and his dad, and he just won't quit. He's there for his teammates. Guy competes so hard and wanted to be out there with him. And just so much respect for his toughness and his leadership."

Greene and Bobo both missed Georgia's win over Charlotte last week. Their status will be one to monitor if Georgia makes the SEC championship.

Georgia did get a major boost back with the return of All-SEC linebacker CJ Allen. Allen suffered a meniscus injury against Texas and returned after just two weeks. He had two tackles including one tackle for a loss. Smart praised Allen's sacrifice after the game and says he's "wired different" than other players.

Georgia did not give snaps to starting running back Chauncey Bowens. Bowens (calf) has not registered a carry since the Texas game.

"Chauncey (Bowens) could have played," Smart said. "He was banged up and was limited during the week. It was one of those deals that he didn't get a lot of reps during the week. We felt like the other guys had more reps. Josh (McCray) had a really good week and those are the guys we went with. But he was hobbled some during the week."

Georgia played Josh McCray and Nate Frazier heavily with Bowens not seeing action.

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirby Smart provides injury updates after Georgia's win over Tech