ATHENS — Georgia football has sustained its share of bumps and bruises through four games, which will affect the starting lineup for the Tennessee game.
The No. 2-ranked Bulldogs are starting their third different offensive line combination in five games. Starting right guard Ben Cleveland (leg) is expected to be out a minimum of four weeks with the injury he sustained at Missouri. Freshman Cade Mays was taking first-team reps at right guard in warm-ups and is expected to start in Cleveland’s place.
Starting receiver Tyler Simmons (shoulder) is also out. He is not dressed after missing the first two days of practice this week, and Smart knew it wasn’t likely he would suit up for the Tennessee game at Sanford Stadium (TV: CBS, Radio: WSB 750 AM, 95.5 FM).
Inside linebacker Monty Rice (knee) is dressed and is probable.
“He’s practiced every day but he did last week; he’s definitely moving around better,” Smart said earlier this week. “I certainly hope he plays. He’s physical. We need him, he brings a mentality and toughness to our defense that we need. He strikes people. Just hope he plays because we have depth problems when he doesn’t.”
Defensive back Divaad Wilson is dressed, and Kirby Smart has indicated he could return sooner than later this season.
“He’s doing some good things, he’s out there practicing,” Smart said on Tuesday. “He’s out there running around, moving, he’s competitive, he’s on scout team, just trying to build back his confidence. But I’m not sure when he’ll be cleared for live contact and tackle.”
Georgia football injury report
RB D’Andre Swift (groin), probable
CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder), probable
LB Monty Rice (knee), probable
OT Andrew Thomas (ankle), probable
TE Jackson Harris (foot), probable
DB Divaad Wilson (knee), doubtful
WR Tyler Simmons (shoulder) out
OG Ben Cleveland (leg), out
DB Tray Bishop (internal team issue), out
DE Justin Young (unknown), out
RB Zamir White (knee), out for season