Missouri coach updates QB Kelly Bryant status for Georgia football game

Missouri coach Barry Odom indicated he expects quarterback Kelly Bryant to be a go when the Tigers play Georgia on Saturday.

“We just finished up our Wednesday practice, and Kelly took the majority of the snaps with the ones and Taylor (Powell) is working in like he has every other week, the two reps,” Odom said.

“Kelly is on track to play, and I think he’ll play well, and Taylor understands that he’s going to prepare like he has every other week, and if his number is called, he can execute the offense and play efficiently.”

The No. 6-ranked Bulldogs (7-1, 4-1 SEC) play host to Missouri (5-3, 2-2) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Sanford Stadium (TV: ESPN).

Bryant, a transfer from Clemson, injured his right hamstring in the Tigers’ loss to Kentucky on Oct. 26, their most recent outing.

Bryant has had a bye week to heal up, but he recently estimated his health at 75 percent, and as of Tuesday was not cleared to play, according to a report from the Missouri Rivals.com site.

“Still gotta go see the doctor,” Bryant said, per the website. “I feel good, feel like I can go, but just continue to see what they say and continue to rehab it. So still gotta see.”

Bryant’s mobility is obviously pivotal to the Tigers’ offense, so he was taken out of the game against the Wildcats when it became apparent he was no longer effective.

Bryant ranks fourth in the SEC with 230.6 yards passing per game — 20 yards more per outing than UGA’s Jake Fromm averages through the air.

But Bryant said he won’t play against the SEC’s top-ranked defense unless he’s healthy.

“If I’m going to play, I’m going to make sure I can do all the things I’ve done all year,” Bryant said in the Power Mizzou story. “If I can’t, I don’t feel confident, I’m not going to put myself out there.”

Powell, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound sophomore was 4-of-10 passing for 34 yards against Kentucky.

Odom said if Powell plays, he’ll take to Dooley Field with confidence.

“He knows if and when his number is called,” Odom said, “he’ll be prepared to play at the level he needs to help our team.”

Missouri ranks fourth in the SEC in total offense, with 428.5 yards per game.