Georgia’s Backfield Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Clemson Showdown

Georgia’s backfield is set to rely on players who didn’t make significant contributions in 2023 as the team prepares to face No. 13 Clemson on Saturday. Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart revealed at a news conference on Monday that running back Roderick Robinson, the team’s leading returning rusher from the 2023 season, will miss at least the opener against the Tigers due to a toe injury that required surgery.

Smart described Robinson’s injury as “week to week,” but as longtime Georgia writer Seth Emerson of the Athletic noted, this likely means he won’t be back anytime soon. The absence of Robinson will be a significant blow to the Bulldogs’ offense, which will need to rely on other players to fill the gap.

Another player who may not be available for the opener is newcomer Trevor Etienne, who was arrested for DUI over the offseason and is suspended for the game. Etienne, the brother of former Clemson and current Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, rushed for 753 yards and eight touchdowns for Florida in 2023 and has averaged nearly six yards a carry across two seasons with the Gators.

Per Georgia athletic department policy, Etienne’s charges would have resulted in a one-game penalty, but he reached a plea deal, leaving it unclear how this could affect his suspension. Smart did not comment on Etienne’s availability on Monday.

Without Robinson and Etienne, Georgia will likely turn to Branson Robinson and other players in Week 1. Roderick Robinson rushed for 196 yards on 24 carries in 2023 and was behind Daijuan Edwards and Kendall Milton, who combined for over 1,600 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns last season.

Week 1 will also be Branson Robinson’s first big chance to shine on the field for the Bulldogs. A four-star recruit in the class of 2022, Robinson rushed for 341 yards as Georgia won the national title in 2022. He was set for significant playing time alongside Edwards and Milton in 2023 but suffered a knee injury in fall camp and missed the entire season.

Georgia’s backfield faces an uncertain future ahead of the Clemson game, but the team will need to rely on its depth and resilience to overcome the challenges.