Dillon Bell’s left ankle is not as serious as it appeared and will not need surgery, head coach Kirby Smart said during Monday’s press conference to preview Saturday’s game with UMass (12:45 p.m., SEC Network).
However, whether he plays this week against the Minutemen remains a question. Smart said he hopes Bell will return soon.
Bell suffered the injury in the second half of Saturday’s 31-17 win over Tennessee and headed to the locker room before returning in a boot.
With UMass up next Saturday, look for Bell to sit out the game against the Minutemen before hoping to return against Georgia Tech.
True freshman Nitro Tuggle, who played eight snaps against the Volunteers and responded with two catches for 25 yards, is among the players who will be asked to step up.
The status of running back Trevor Etienne also remains in question.
Etienne’s bruised ribs were too painful for the junior to play against the Vols.
Smart said he hopes Etienne will return soon.
"We're hoping to get him back. I mean, it's what I can tell you, I mean, he's going to have an opportunity," said Smart, who did not confirm ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe's report that Etienne had broken his ribs. "I mean, ribs are a painful injury, right? I don't actually know if that's the exact term, but he does have a rib injury, and we're hoping to get him back."
Meanwhile, keep an eye on Branson Robinson.
Robinson hasn’t played since suffering an MCL injury against Mississippi State but returned to the practice field last week.
Smart also revealed that star Joenel Aguero did not play Saturday after having a pin inserted following an injury against Ole Miss.
"I don't know the technical term for it, I don't have it with me, but he got a pin put in his hand pinky," Smart said. "He was clear to play but was going to struggle to play in a club. He practiced last week and was available to play. But he didn't get to the hand real well, it was a little tender. He's in the same situation this week."
Smart also revealed that left tackle Earnest Greene III did not play against Tennessee due to an arm injury.
"Ernest was going to be a game-time decision. He's still struggling with that arm that he was out there giving everything he had against Ole Miss and didn't have complete strength in his left arm," Smart said. "We're hoping that he continues to gain strength."
Smart said Micah Morris - who also sat out the Tennessee game - continues to get healthier.
"Micah was close to being able to go, and it might have been an emergency Saturday, but it's not completely healthy," Smart said. "He's going to be out there working today, trying to get back in."
