It's a good thing Georgia running backs have grown on trees lately. Even so, the Bulldogs' offense could be in major trouble for the season opener against North Carolina in Atlanta.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, junior running back Sony Michel sustained a broken left forearm on Sunday and underwent surgery to repair it on Monday. The details of how Michel broke his arm were not disclosed, nor was a timetable for his return. However, Georgia did say Monday that Michel should recover fully from his injury.
#UGA announces junior RB Sony Michel should have full recovery after suffering fractured forearm in Sunday accident. pic.twitter.com/5fYOcidLPf
— Anthony Amey (@AnthonyAmeyWSB) July 4, 2016
Exactly when Michel will be fully recovered, however, is the operative, missing detail.
Georgia is already without starting running back Nick Chubb, who is still recovering from a season-ending knee injury from last October. Chubb, who was limited in spring, stated previously he plans to be back for the opener against the Tar Heels; however, coach Kirby Smart, as well as Georgia's medical staff, has been largely mum on the date of Chubb's return.
Either way, Georgia is without its two best players at that position -- at least for the time being. Chubb was the every-down back who, when healthy, carried the Bulldogs' offense. Once he's healthy again, he's the surefire 1A option.
Michel was (and is) the pure speed option. In Chubb's absence, Michel went on to rush for 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also voted the team's Offensive MVP.
Lose both, and you're suddenly without a lot of power, speed and versatility in the offense.
On top of everything else, Brendan Douglas was hampered in the spring with a wrist injury. Douglas, who had 140 yards last season, would be the No. 1 guy if Michel and/or Chubb was unavailable for the opener. Freshmen Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien would likely be asked to contribute as well.
Recently, depth at running back hasn't been an issue for Georgia. When one guy goes down (i.e. Chubb and Todd Gurley the season before him) the next option has done more than just pick up the slack. Considering it's more than a possibility that the Bulldogs start a true freshman at quarterback in Jacob Eason, he could really need all the help he could get from the backfield.
It's too early to say the worst-case scenario will be realized, but with the 2016 season just two months away, Georgia's primary source of offense is seeing a concerning amount of attrition.
