Georgia football's season opener against Marshall is finally here. The Bulldogs are ready to begin their quest to repeat as SEC Champions, and Georgia fans are ready to cheer them on all season long.
While it is nice to have any form of football back in Athens, weeks leading into nonconference matchups are a little different. The biggest reason why is because Georgia is not required to release official injury updates throughout the week like they do when it's a game week against an SEC team.
But after listening to Kirby Smart talk throughout the past week, there are a few injuries that can be reported on.
Georgia's unofficial injury report vs Marshall
Offensive lineman Malachi Toliver (Ankle): Out
Corner Ondre Evans (ACL): Doubtful
Punter Brett Thorson (Knee): Questionable
Wide receiver Thomas Blackshear (Groin): Questionable
Running back Josh McCray (Illness): Probable
The only Bulldog who Smart has confirmed to be out for this game is backup offensive lineman Malachi Toliver. According to Smart, he suffered an ankle injury during fall camp and has not begun practice at a full capcity yet. Smart does however expect Toliver to back and fully healthy very soon, so this is not a long term injury for Georgia fans to be worried about.
Punter Brett Thorson is a player to pay very close attention to on Saturday. Thorson has been out all offseason after suffering a knee injury against Texas in the SEC Championship game last season, and it hasn't been until the last few weeks that he has begun kicking again. Thorson also hasn't been kicking in live practice sessions until earlier this week as well. The last update from Smart is that he wasn't sure if Thorson would play this week, but it sounds like there is a chance Georgia fans will see their star punter in action against Marshall.
Last but not least is transfer running back Josh McCray. McCray missed most of fall camp with an illness, but Smart did share that he wasn't far behind the rest of the running backs even when he was out and recovering from this illness. McCray projects to be one of the first running backs behind starter Nate Frazier on their depth chart this season, so it will be nice to see him in action for the first time as a Bulldog on Saturday.