A pair of Georgia football players are banged up and likely questionable for Saturday afternoon’s showdown against Tennessee football at Neyland Stadium. Starting right guard Juan Gaston and right tackle Earnest Greene both missed the Bulldogs’ win over Austin Peay last week and Kirby Smart didn’t have an answer on their availability during his Monday press conference.
“Both Juan and Earnest, we’ll learn more about today and see where they are,” Smart said. “They’re both coming off of bumps and bruises and injuries, but hopeful to get them back.”
The duo each suffered injuries in the first quarter of Georgia’s win over Marshall with both playing only 19 snaps. According to reporting from DawgsHQ, Greene is dealing with back stiffness while Gaston is battling both minor ankle and knee injuries.
There was no reason for Georgia to push either to return in its week two matchup against Austin Peay though the Bulldogs offense struggled in the game, totaling just 28 points and 421 yards against their FCS foe.
Greene is a three-year starter on Georgia’s offensive line, starting at left tackle the last two years before moving to right tackle ahead of the 2025 season. Gaston is a true freshman and a former five-star recruit.
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We’ll get a better feel about the status of both players Wednesday night when Georgia releases its first SEC availability report of the week. They’ll continue releasing them every day leading up to 90 minutes before kickoff.
While Georgia is battling two offensive line injuries, Tennessee football is battling a number of injuries entering its SEC opener. Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson as well as defensive tackle Daevin Hobbs are all expected to miss the SEC showdown.
Tennessee defensive tackle Jaxson Moi, defensive end Tyree Weathersby and offensive tackle David Sanders are all questionable for the game. Moi suffered an injury early in the Syracuse game and didn’t play against ETSU a week ago, Sanders has yet to play this season and Weathersby missed the ETSU game after playing a full 45 snaps in Tennessee’s win over Syracuse.
Georgia is 3.5-point favorites against Tennessee according to DraftKings Sportsbook as the Bulldogs look to earn their ninth straight win in the series. Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday afternoon. Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe are on the call for ABC.
