What Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said about Drew Bobo's injury

Georgia football had to play without starting center Drew Bobo in the second half of its win over Georgia Tech Friday night.

Bobo wore a boot on his left foot and had crutches with him on the sideline in the second half, making his availability for this Saturday’s SEC Championship game against No. 10 Alabama appear doubtful.

Coach Kirby Smart on Sunday Nov. 30 didn't rule the redshirt junior out during a championship game Zoom press conference.

"We're still looking into things with him," Smart said when asked for an update.

Bobo was injured in the second quarter, but returned to the game after being attended to in the medical tent. He did not play in the second half.

Redshirt freshman Malachi Toliver, who started for Bobo in the win over Charlotte on Nov. 22 when Bobo sat out due to a hand injury, stepped in for Bobo against Georgia Tech.

The Bulldogs also could turn to Cortez Smith at center.

Bobo is the highest graded Georgia offensive lineman, according to Pro Football Focus, just ahead of left tackle Monroe Freeling.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Toliver, from Cartersville, has played 101 snaps this season including 34 against Georgia Tech.

“Thank goodness Malachi got the time he got the week before to go in there and play,” Smart said after the Georgia Tech win. “There was one run that we thought would have got out and been an explosive play that he didn’t quite get the guy.”

Added Smart on Sunday: "Like I said the other day, he did some good things. He's got continue to work and improve on some others."

Smart said Smith has been "banged up," but was able to practice last week.

Smart also mentioned starting guards Dontrell Glover and Micah Morris when talking about center options.

"We've had other guys snap during the year during training camp," Smart said. "We always do multiple guys playing it. We've had other guys repping there, Glover, Micah has been in there and done some things and so has Glover, but we feel good about the guys we have there that have played it the most. It's not a position you want to be changing out a lot."

Regarding other injuries, Georgia running back Chauncey Bowens did not play against Georgia Tech.

“He could have played,” Smart said after the game. “Chauncey could have played. 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.”

Smart was also asked Sunday about the availability of safety Kyron Jones (foot) and wide receiver Talyn Taylor (upper body) for Alabama.

"Not sure yet," Smart said. "Still working through that. We haven't practiced and did anything since Friday."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Drew Bobo injury update for Georgia football C in SEC Championship