Georgia LB Nolan Smith (torn pec) out for season

Georgia outdoors linebacker Nolan Smith, the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs’ main go rusher this season, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.

Smith, a senior from Savannah, Georgia, was damage within the first half of the Bulldogs’ 42-20 victory towards Florida and did not return.

Smith leads the Bulldogs with three sacks, seven tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hurries.

On3 was first to report the information of Smith’s season-ending harm.

Smith is taken into account a possible first-round choice within the 2023 NFL draft. Sources instructed ESPN on Tuesday that it is unclear whether or not he’ll be prepared to completely take part within the NFL Mix, scheduled for Feb. 28 to March 6 in Indianapolis. The harm sometimes requires a three- to four-month restoration, so Smith most likely would not have adequate time to coach for the mix.

If Smith is not in a position to absolutely carry out on the NFL mix, he would most likely work out for NFL groups later within the draft course of.

With out Smith, Georgia should search for different methods to strain Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, who has thrown for two,338 yards with 21 touchdowns and one interception this season. The Volunteers lead the FBS in each scoring (49.4 factors) and complete offense (553 yards) and are second in passing (353.4 yards).

Final week, Sensible recommended Smith for his management and toughness.

“Nolan is a pure chief,” Sensible mentioned. “He is been that manner since I met him when he was in eighth grade and he got here up right here to camp. He is been a pure chief. His management is extra essential than his means, and his means is fairly sturdy. He creates a toughness in regards to the he holds folks to a regular of the way in which you strike blocks, the way in which you shut on counters, the way in which you rush with effort, particular groups, I imply, he performs on all particular groups. He is only a core man.”

Sophomore Chaz Chambliss performed nicely towards Florida in Smith’s absence, ending with three tackles, one sack and one sort out for loss. He had been bothered by a hamstring harm, and Sensible mentioned he was nonetheless coping with it after the Florida sport. Freshman Marvin Jones Jr., who had the flu final week, additionally would possibly get elevated enjoying time in Smith’s absence.

Georgia’s protection ranks No. 2 within the FBS in scoring, permitting solely 10.5 factors per sport, but it surely had struggled to sack the quarterback till the Florida sport. The return of junior defensive sort out Jalen Carter, who had been sidelined for 2 video games with a knee harm, was a giant cause why.

“He seemed higher than I believed,” Sensible mentioned. “I hope we’ll be capable of have him at full pace.”