Georgia RB Sony Michel out indefinitely with shoulder injury

The Georgia Bulldogs survived a close-fought battle against Tennessee on Saturday, but unfortunately for Mark Richt and company, the team did not emerge fully healthy after the contest. Freshman running back Sony Michel was forced to exit the action early as a result of a left shoulder issue, and on Sunday, Richt stated that Michel is, in effect, out indefinitely.

“Any time real soon” is obviously not a real diagnosis, but Richt’s willingness to give up that kind of information likely indicates that Michel will be on the shelf for a few weeks. Rumors of a 6-week timetable are out there in some circles, but it seems to be a virtual lock that he will miss the Vanderbilt game, and with a road trip to face Missouri the following week, his absence could be felt in a significant way.

On one hand, Michel’s role is replaceable, simply because of the existence of Todd Gurley, but the freshman is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry this season (with three touchdowns) and he is the change-of-pace back for a team with a legitimate three-headed monster at the position. It would be tough to envision Gurley getting more work at this point, so Michel’s injury could clear the way for a full-fledged emergence of Nick Chubb.

Stay tuned for the latest on Sony Michel’s injury, but he will likely be gone for a while.