Georgia RB Todd Gurley ‘Doubtful’ for Missouri Game

Sep 21, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs the ball against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated North Texas 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

As if the injury situation could get any worse for the Georgia Bulldogs in the aftermath of Saturday’s win over Tennessee, head coach Mark Richt brought some not-so-positive reports surrounding the status of Todd Gurley on Tuesday afternoon.

During his weekly news conference, Richt said this concerning whether Gurley would play on Saturday against Missouri (quotes from the AJC’s Chip Towers):

"“I don’t really know for sure on Gurley’s situation. I would say it’s doubtful. I don’t know if doubtful is the best word. He’s not going to practice today; I know that. Tomorrow we’ll see how he runs straight ahead. Is he going to play in this game? He could; I’m not going to count him out. But we’ve got to prepare as if he won’t play.”"

Richt is clear at the end that he won’t declare Gurley as out for the game, but this is ominous at best. The Bulldogs will already be without Justin Scott-Wesley and Keith Marshall for the season, and Michael Bennett is definitely unavailable for the Missouri game. This leaves Aaron Murray and company with a relatively empty cupboard of assets at the skill positions moving forward, and while this could be masked by a healthy (and dominant) Todd Gurley, it looks like that may be a week away.

The focus shifts to guys like J.J. Green and Brendan Douglas in the backfield, as well as Chris Conley and Rantavious Wooten on the outside as the Dawgs host #25 Missouri, and they do present significant talent. As long as Aaron Murray is upright and breathing, Georgia remains one of the favorites in the SEC East, but at this point, they simply can’t sustain any more personnel hits.

We will update you on the status of Gurley as game time approaches.