Injury Status Before Homecoming
Fewer than 24 hours before Georgia football’s Homecoming date with Vanderbilt, the two schools provided updates on the injury status of critical offensive players. Running back Nate Frazier and quarterback Jared Curtis were both listed as questionable for the game, according to reports from SInow/SI.com.
Frazier has been listed as questionable all week by Kirby Smart’s program. The status remained unchanged Friday night, with Frazier still listed as questionable for the upcoming matchup.
Curtis continued to be listed as questionable on Friday night as well. He had been listed as questionable by the Vanderbilt Commodores all week leading up to the game.
Smart Declines Comment; ESPN Reports Rib Injury
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart declined to answer questions about player injuries during his press availability, according to SInow/SI.com. While the coaching staff remained tight-lipped, ESPN reported on Sunday that Frazier is dealing with a rib injury. This specific diagnosis has not been confirmed by the university.
Frazier’s Absence Against Oklahoma
The uncertainty surrounding Frazier follows his absence from Georgia’s 41-13 victory over Oklahoma. That outing marked only the second time in his career that Frazier missed a game. Although he dressed out for the contest, he did not warm up with the team, according to SInow/SI.com.
Curtis’s Path to Vanderbilt
For Vanderbilt, the status of quarterback Jared Curtis adds another layer of complexity to their offensive outlook. Curtis was originally committed to Georgia before flipping his commitment to Vanderbilt just two days before Signing Day, as reported by SInow/SI.com.
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea described Curtis as "banged up" and noted that the quarterback has not been able to practice at full speed. Despite these limitations, Lea stated he is hopeful that Curtis will be able to play in the upcoming matchup.
Other Roster Updates
Beyond the primary offensive concerns, Georgia saw some positive news on defense. Defensive lineman Chase Linton was upgraded from questionable to likely for the game, according to SInow/SI.com.
Frazier’s potential availability is particularly notable given his recent history with injuries. He previously left Georgia’s 45-17 win at Arkansas on September 19 with what appeared to be an injury, according to SInow/SI.com. How that ailment has healed or persisted will likely influence the final decision on his participation this weekend.