- 4 Alabama hosts No. 2 Georgia in a massive SEC showdown on Saturday, September 28
- Both teams are coming off a bye week, providing extra time for injured players to recover
- The new SEC injury reporting policy gives fans more insight into player availability leading up to kickoff
The college football world will be focused on Tuscaloosa Saturday night as the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide host the No. 2 Georgia Bulldog. This SEC clash could shake up the early-season CFP Playoff Bracket. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the game broadcast nationally on ABC.
Both teams are coming off a bye week, giving injured players extra time to recover before this heavyweight SEC clash. Thanks to the conference’s new injury reporting policy, we have a clearer picture of who might be available come game time.
Let’s dive into both the Alabama injury report and the UGA injury report, breaking down what it means for this huge game.
Crimson Tide Injury Report Brings Positive News
Alabama fans can breathe a sigh of relief as several key players are expected to suit up against Georgia.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Qua Russaw | LB | Probable |
| Richard Young | RB | Probable |
| Jeremiah Alexander | LB | Probable |
Notable players not listed:
- Malachi Moore (S)
- Cole Adams (WR)
More importantly, edge rusher Qua Russaw is probable, which is huge news for the Crimson Tide defense. At 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds, Russaw has the size and speed to make life difficult for Georgia QB Carson Beck. Having him on the field could be the difference-maker in this game.
Pressure from Alabama EDGE Qua Russaw (#4) forces the Wisconsin quarterback to fade in the pocket… and then, he meets LT Overton (#22). pic.twitter.com/mnrYFXX4OZ
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) September 15, 2024
The probable status of RB Richard Young and LB Jeremiah Alexander is also encouraging for Alabama. With a clean bill of health, the Crimson Tide will be a tough out on their home turf.
Bulldogs Bitten by Injury Bug
In contrast, on the other side of the ball, Georgia is dealing with a slew of injuries that could impact their game plan against Alabama.
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roderick Robinson II | RB | Ankle | Out |
| London Humphreys | WR | Illness | Out |
| Tate Ratledge | OL | Ankle | Out |
| Sacovie White | WR | Undisclosed | Out |
| Mykel Williams | DL | Ankle | Questionable |
| Jordan Hall | DL | Leg | Questionable |
| Warren Brinson | DL | Foot | Probable |
The loss of RB Roderick Robinson II and OL Tate Ratledge could limit Georgia’s options in the running game. Robinson has been out since fall camp with a turf toe injury, while Ratledge recently had surgery on his ankle. Their absences will put more pressure on the passing attack.
Roderick Robinson making cuts and people miss like this at 230ish pounds is scary. pic.twitter.com/KZ6MKnLIvl
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) January 24, 2024
Speaking of the passing game, Georgia will be without WRs London Humphreys (illness) and Sacovie White (undisclosed). That means other receivers will need to step up and make plays against a tough Alabama secondary.
On defense, the Bulldogs could be missing key contributors in Mykel Williams and Jordan Hall, both listed as questionable. If they can’t go, it could be a long night trying to stop the Crimson Tide offense.
Impact of Injuries on the Game
The differing injury situations for Alabama and Georgia could play a major role in determining the winner of this massive SEC tilt. The UGA-Bama betting line has already shifted a point in Alabama’s favor ahead of kickoff.
The odds shift is in part because The Crimson Tide injury report brings mostly good news for Kalen DeBoer’s squad. Key defenders like Qua Russaw and Jeremiah Alexander are probable, which helps Bama’s chances of slowing down UGA’s offense.
Russaw, in particular, could be a game-changer. At 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds, he has the size and speed to wreak havoc against Carson Beck.
On the other side, the Bulldogs are dealing with a plethora of injuries that could force them to adjust their game plan on the fly. The absences of RB Roderick Robinson II, OL Tate Ratledge, and multiple receivers will put additional pressure on Beck to elevate the play of those around him. If the passing game sputters, it could be a long night between the hedges for Georgia fans.
The uncertainty surrounding the availability of DLs Mykel Williams and Jordan Hall is another concern for the Bulldogs. If they can’t go or are limited, it could hinder Georgia’s ability to contain Alabama’s potent rushing attack, led by Milroe and Jam Miller.
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As the highly anticipated Week 5 SEC matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the latest injury report and news for both teams. Both teams are coming off impressive wins in Week 4, with Georgia defeating Vanderbilt 62-0 and Alabama defeating Ole Miss 42-21.
For Georgia, the biggest injury concern heading into this matchup is the status of star wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens suffered a shoulder injury in the Bulldogs’ win over Vanderbilt and his availability for the game against Alabama is uncertain. Head coach Kirby Smart has been tight-lipped about Pickens’ status, but reports indicate that he is undergoing treatment and will be a game-time decision.
On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia will also be without linebacker Quay Walker, who suffered a foot injury in the game against Vanderbilt. Walker is expected to miss several weeks, which is a significant blow to the Bulldogs’ defense.
As for Alabama, the Crimson Tide are relatively healthy heading into this matchup. Quarterback Bryce Young has been dealing with a minor ankle injury, but he is expected to be fully healthy and ready to go against Georgia. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. also suffered a rib injury in the game against Ole Miss, but he is expected to play through the pain.
One player to keep an eye on for Alabama is wide receiver John Metchie III, who has been dealing with a lingering knee injury. Metchie has been limited in practice this week, but he is expected to play against Georgia.
In terms of overall team health, both Georgia and Alabama are relatively healthy heading into this crucial SEC showdown. However, the status of George Pickens will be a key factor to watch leading up to kickoff. The Bulldogs will need all hands on deck to compete with the high-powered offense of the Crimson Tide, and Pickens’ presence could be a game-changer.
As always, injuries are a part of the game and both teams will need to adjust and adapt accordingly. With so much on the line in this matchup, both Georgia and Alabama will be looking to stay healthy and put their best foot forward on Saturday. Stay tuned for any further updates on the injury report and news leading up to kickoff.