ATHENS — It wasn’t so much anything that Nick Chubb said. It was just that he was there at all. That may have said the most.

In the latest sign that Georgia’s star tailback is on track to play, Chubb made a surprise appearance for interviews after Wednesday’s practice. It doesn’t mean Chubb will definitely play on Sept. 3 against North Carolina. But injured players don’t typically make media appearances.

“It’s been a long ride,” Chubb said, in his first press session at Georgia since last year’s serious knee injury. “October feels a long way. But it’s been a long journey, a long process. I feel good about where I’m at.”

Chubb declined several times to say whether he thought he would be able to play in the season opener. At one point a media member smiled and pointed out they were trying to get him to say it.

“Yeah I know,” Chubb said, smiling. “I don’t know.”

Chubb also said he didn’t know what would be the first practice he’d take game-like hits, or whether he’d participate in scrimmages.

But he pointed out he took some hits in practice Wednesday.

“I got wrapped up a couple times,” Chubb said. “It felt good.”

He was asked what the chances were he could be as good as he was before the injury.

“No idea,” Chubb said, then smiled. “We won’t know until I get out there.”

More coming from Chubb soon.