Georgia Bulldogs Use College Football Playoff Bye To Heal Before Sugar Bowl
Georgia will capitalize on its College Football Playoff bye week to mend several wounded players before the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
Chauncey Bowens is checked on by head coach Kirby Smart and trainers during the fourth quarter of the game against the Texas Longhorns at Sanford Stadium on November 15.
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesGeorgia will capitalize on its College Football Playoff bye week to mend several wounded players before the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The Bulldogs are one of four teams that get extra time to recuperate while eight other programs compete this weekend.
Wide receiver Colbie Young hasn't taken the field since breaking his leg in an October matchup against Ole Miss. The fracture happened during a 43-35 victory over the Rebels.
"I was not thinking of being able to get him back when the injury occurred in the initial timeline," said Coach Kirby Smart on Dec. 7, 2025, according to DawgNation. "There has been some optimism with his rehab and his recovery, but it was more for after the initial game if we were able to advance."
Running back Chauncey Bowens also stands to benefit from the break. He picked up a leg wound and missed two games before returning against Alabama, where he rushed for 19 yards but was slow to get up after the play. Smart said that Bowens should be ready when the squad next takes the field.
Center Malachi Toliver will get all the first-team reps he could want with the extra practice time. He performed well in the SEC Championship game against Alabama while filling in for Drew Bobo, who has been dealing with a foot ailment.
Wide receiver Talyn Taylor came back for the Bulldogs in the victory over Alabama after recovering from a lengthy setback. He didn't record a catch in the triumph, but is someone the coaching staff feels comfortable playing. Extra practices will help Taylor get closer to his pre-injury condition.
Tight end Ethan Barbour suffered an ankle injury in the team's second game of the season. Before the Alabama matchup, Barbour was going through pregame warmups with the receivers and tight ends, though he didn't play.
Defensive back Joenel Aguero didn't play in the SEC Championship game due to a hand wound that Smart said was not serious. Time off should allow the junior's hand to mend and give him time to get comfortable while playing with any sort of brace or wrap.
