ATHENS — Georgia coach Kirby Smart said that transfer Arik Gilbert is not currently practicing with the team.

“Arik is dealing with some personal issues, we love him,” Smart said. “We are thinking about him. We are trying to help him. When you think about a medical staff like Ron Courson has, he has so much experience in dealing with these issues.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he is dealing with these personal issues, and we hope to get him back soon.”

DawgNation reported on Friday that Gilbert’s status was in question.

Gilbert, who missed practices leading up to Saturday’s scrimmage, played tight end at LSU last season but came to Georgia seeking snaps on the perimeter at the “X.”

Smart said UGA hoped Gilbert could transition to the position, but there were questions.

“He’s a playmaker, he’s a guy who you need to get the ball in his hands,” Smart said at SEC Media Days. “He’s worked out with the wide receiver group, that’s where he indicated he wanted to work and train at. That’s been a big part of what he wants to do.

“We’ve got to find out if he can sustain if he’s got the stamina at that position to play that position, to play the X, to play the Z, play the slot. We’ll find ways to move him around.”

The Bulldogs had a need at the position after incumbent George Pickens suffered a torn ACL during a spring practice in March.

Freshman Adonai Mitchell and second-year receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint have stepped up at that receiver position, however.

Gilbert’s absence from the team is not football-related.

Transfer Derion Kendrick, from Clemson, was also not at the scrimmage. Smart said he was excused to attend a funeral.