No Surgery Needed for Georgia WR Chris Conley and S Josh Harvey-Clemons

Sep 28, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Kenarious Gates (72) and wide receiver Chris Conley (31) react after defeating the LSU Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated LSU 44-41. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The final image during Georgia’s devastating loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday was senior wide receiver Chris Conley writhing in pain as the telecast faded to black. Widespread speculation about his injury prognosis followed, but on Sunday, Mark Richt and the Bulldogs got some very encouraging news.

Richt’s proclamation (reported by Radi Nabulsi among others) that both Conley and Josh Harvey-Clemons (who exited the game in the 2nd quarter) would avoid surgery is a huge one. After all, the team has been famously riddled with season-long injuries to guys like Keith Marshall, Malcolm Mitchell, etc. and everyone’s first reaction (especially in Conley’s case) had to be fearing the worst.

It’s far too early to speculate on each player’s availability for the Florida game in just under 2 weeks, but the fact that there is a chance for each guy to play is encouraging. Conley would be the bigger loss at this stage, as the receiving corps is decimated as it is, and the senior has stepped up in a massive way in recent weeks. That isn’t to knock Harvey-Clemons, however, as he is one of the more talented players on an ever-struggling defense.

Stay tuned for more updates as the bye week passes by, but it was a (rare) positive day on the injury front in Athens.