And the hits just keep on coming for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Earlier today UGA announced that running backs Isaiah Crowell and Carlton Thomas, the team’s leading and third-leading rushers, respectively, as well as fellow RB Ken Malcome have been suspended for the New Mexico State game Saturday. That news came on the heels of Richard Samuel, UGA’s second-leading rusher, already being ruled out for NMSU due to injury.
Unfortunately, Samuel will be out a lot longer than just this weekend’s contest.
UGA announced Tuesday that Samuel underwent surgery earlier in the day on what was originally described as a sprained ankle and will be out for a minimum of four weeks. Such a timeline would mean Samuel, who suffered the injury against Florida Saturday, would be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, barring an expedited rehab of course.
“Richard had probably his finest performance in a really big game,” head coach Mark Richt said in quotes distributed by the school. “For it to happen on the last play was sad for him. Just reading his comments about his goal of wanting to help the team win, that’s why he moved to running back because he felt like he could help the team win.”
As if the situation at the RB position wasn’t bad enough -- of course, the opponent serves as a saving grace -- the Bulldogs will probably be without their leading receiver for the second week in a row as well. Malcolm Mitchell, the school stated in a release, will likely miss the NMSU game with the same hamstring issue that sidelined him last weekend against Florida.
Oh, and starting right guard Dallas Lee is out 4-6 weeks with a leg injury.
