Kirby Smart provides suspension and injury update ahead of Clemson game in Week 1

ATHENS – Game week is finally here for the Georgia football program as the Bulldogs open the year against the Clemson Tigers.

However, due to injuries and possible suspensions, Georgia will not play the first game of the season at full strength.

Smart again declined to publicly announce whether any players would be suspended for the opening game. Inside linebacker Smael Mondon, running back Trevor Etienne, wide receiver Sacovie White and offensive lineman Bo Hughley were all arrested for reckless driving in the offseason.

Smart also declined to comment on whether the decisions regarding these suspensions were made internally or not.

Mondon and Etienne are considered likely starters at their respective positions. If Mondon doesn't play, Raylen Wilson would take his place, with Jalon Walker also playing more snaps.

In terms of injuries, Georgia is expected to have Warren Brinson and Jared Wilson fully ready for its opening game against Clemson. Both have been battling Achilles injuries during fall practice. Wilson is expected to make his first career start at center, while Brinson is expected to start on the defensive line.

“Warren looks good. He didn't have the luxury of attending training camp,” Smart said. “But he also attended four training camps during his time at Georgia.”

Georgia will be a little thin on the defensive line, with Jordan Hall and Xzavier McLeod expected to miss the opening game. Although neither would start, the interior defensive line will be weighed down more on Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse and Christen Miller.

The Bulldogs will also likely be without running back Roderick Robinson, who is dealing with a toe injury. Smart added that Robinson had surgery on his toe. Smart did not give a timeframe for when Robinson might return.

With Robinson out and Etienne potentially suspended, Georgia's running back room would likely turn to Branson Robinson, Nate Frazier and Cash Jones. Robinson suffered a patellar tendon injury over a year ago that caused him to miss the entire 2023 season.

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Colbie Young is battling a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit for the opening game.

“Colbie has been great. He's been running since the practice game and has been really into it,” Smart said.

Frazier is a freshman who has received high reviews throughout fall camp. Jones should be viewed as a third-down/pass-catcher option for Georgia. Smart has frequently praised Jones for his leadership qualities in August.

Saturday's game against Clemson will begin at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be televised by ABC. The game will be played in Atlanta.

Kirby Smart comments on injury status and suspensions in Georgia

Georgia football injury report for Week 1 game against Clemson

• Warren Brinson – Achilles – probably
• Jared Wilson – Achilles – probably
• Colbie Young – thigh injury – probable
• Chaz Chambliss – thigh – probably
• Smael Mondon – foot/possible suspension – questionable
• Trevor Etienne – possible suspension – questionable
• Sacovie White – possible suspension – questionable
• Bo Hughley – possible suspension – questionable
• Xzavier McLeod – unspecified – questionable
• Roderick Robinson — toe — outside
• Jordan Hall – Leg out
• Chris Peal — shoulder — out
• Marcus Harrison — back — out