Smart offers update on linebacker Monty Rice

Georgia is expected to face Georgia Tech without the services of linebacker Monty Rice, who injured his foot during warm-ups of last Saturday’s win over UMass.

"Monty is probably not going to be available this week. He's doubtful to be able to play. We think that he'll get better quickly," head coach Kirby Smart said Monday. "We hope to get him back, but don't know when and don't know if it will be this week. But he will not practice today.

With Rice out, the Bulldogs are expected to turn to either Juwan Taylor or Natrez Patrick to line up alongside Tae Crowder, who started opposite the sophomore against the Minutemen.

Rice came into last week's game as the Bulldogs’ leading tackler.

Freshmen Quay Walker and Channing Tindall are also candidates to receive extra looks.

Rice was seen leaving the Butts-Mehre Building Monday on crutches and wearing a boot. His injury could not have been more poorly timed for the Bulldogs.

One of the keys to having any measure of success against the triple-option has been to have strong play from your inside linebackers. Rice has been Georgia’s most consistent performer at the position, although Smart said after the game he’s got confidence in whomever has to replace him.

“Yeah, I have confidence in all our players. Why wouldn't I? They practice every day. I’ve got supreme confidence in Quay and Channing Tindall,” Smart said. “I mean, that’s what coaches do. They show confidence in players, to put them out there and give them an opportunity to play.”