ATHENS — Georgia football coach Kirby Smart said troubled sophomore defensive back Deangelo Gibbs is not with the team.

Smart did not offer any details on why Gibbs has been separated from the Bulldogs after seeing limited action in seven of 13 games this season.

“Deangelo is currently right now with the team,” Smart said. “He’s just not with the team. I wouldn’t say it’s the same situation as before, he’s just not currently with the team.”

Gibbs reportedly was dealing with a medically related issue that sidetracked him at the end of the 2017 season and during spring drills.

Gibbs did not travel or take part in the SEC Championship Game, Rose Bowl or College Football Playoff Championship Game last season and was not enrolled in 2018 spring classes.

This time, it would seem, Gibbs separation from the Bulldogs is likely for good.

Smart was offered a third opportunity to clarify if Gibbs could return to the team, and he simple restated: “He’s not on the team.”

Gibbs was not on the practice field on Monday during the media’s open viewing portion.

The No. 5-ranked Bulldogs (11-2) play No. 15 Texas (9-4) at 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl.

Tight end Luke Ford is another player who might not return to be the team, as he has entered his name into the NCAA portal and is open to talk with other programs about transferring.

Freshman Justin Fields is also courting transfer offers from other schools.

Ohio State, Oklahoma, UCLA and UCF are among programs Fields is  interested in, according to a source close to the situation.

Smart has said he expects Ford back with the team after Christmas, but the player has not confirmed as much on Twitter.

Fields, meanwhile, has told Smart he wants to play in the Sugar Bowl even while shopping for potential schools to transfer to.

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Smart has said he’s fine with Fields playing with the Bulldogs, adding that UGA has let Fields know they would prefer he stay with the team.