UGA star Williams avoids long-term ankle injury

• Mark Schlabach, ESPN

  • Elder WriterSep 2, 2024, 01:13 PM ET Close Senior college football
  • writer Author of 7 books on college football
  • Graduate of the University of Georgia

Georgia edge rush Mykel Williams has a Grade 2 left ankle sprain and is doubtful to play in Saturday’s game against FCS challenger Tennessee Tech at Sanford Arena, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart stated Monday.

“It’s stable. He’s week-to-week,” Smart stated. “He’s doubtful for today, however it’s not long term.”

Williams, considered a potential top-five choice in next year’s NFL draft, was harmed on a low block by Clemson running back Phil Mafah with 6:34 to enter the 3rd quarter of Georgia’s 34-3 success. Mafah was called for a prohibited block on the play.A junior from Columbus, Georgia, Williams left the Bulldogs’ locker space at Mercedes-Benz Stadium wearing a strolling boot. He had 2 takes on for loss in the game.Editor’s Picks

1 Associated Williams, 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, is ranked the No. 2 possibility offered for the 2025 NFL draft by ESPN analyst Field Yates. Just Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is ranked higher.Last season,

Williams was voted second-team All-SEC by the league’s coaches after leading the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks. He was called a freshman All-American in 2022.

Georgia is already handling multiple injuries along its defensive front. Senior tackle Warren Brinson left the Clemson game with a bruised ankle; Smart is confident he can return for the Tennessee Tech game.Tackles Xzavier McLeod(abdominal pressure)and Jordan Hall(tibia tension fracture) missed out on the Clemson game.Starting nickelback Joenel Aguero missed the season opener with a pulled muscle, and Smart stated he’s confident the sophomore will return today.