Darnell Washington injury update: Kirby Smart hopeful star TE will play vs TCU

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington has been dealing with a lower leg injury since the first quarter of the Peach Bowl. His status for the National Championship game has been updated.

In Georgia’s all-too-close win over Ohio State in the Peach Bowl CFB playoff semifinal game, it was obvious that the loss of tight end Darnell Washington was important. Washington is a key part of both the run and pass-blocking schemes, as well as a huge target for quarterback Stetson Bennett.

When Washington hobbled off the field against Ohio State, the first reports were that he was thought to have a left ankle sprain. Whether it was high or low wasn’t clear, nor was his prognosis for the National Championship game vs TCU.

ESPN reporter Marty Smith has provided an update from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart that may give fans a little hope. It seems that the injury wasn’t a sprain, but more of a soft tissue injury that could see him return to action next Monday night.

While this isn’t “cleared to play” it’s certainly a step up from the highly questionable status that has been looming all week long.

Washington has been a huge part of the Georgia offense as the No. 4 receiver on the team, totaling 27 receptions for 426 yards and two touchdowns. But more importantly, his massive 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame essentially becomes a sixth offensive lineman on plays where he’s not involved as a receiver.

Having his girth fill up the offensive line will be a crucial part of the scheme against TCU, who relies heavily on pressuring quarterbacks and leaning on the talented secondary.

Georgia will meet TCU on Monday, January 9 in SoFi Stadium at 7:30 pm ET