No. 5 Georgia is expected to be without star linebacker Smael Mondon on Saturday when they travel to Austin to face No. 1 Texas, CBS Sports’ Matt Matt Zenitz reports. Mondon has missed Georgia’s last two games with a foot injury and there is currently no timeline for his return.
According to Zenitz, Mondon’s foot injury “seems to stem” from something he worked through last season. Mondon aggravated the injury late in September and hasn’t played since Georgia’s 41-34 loss to Alabama last month.
Mondon, a three-year starter for Georgia, is regarded by NFL scouts as a Day 2 draft prospect. He has 173 career tackles, including 17 through the first four games of this year.
The news comes as the Bulldogs prepare for a high-powered Longhorns attack led by Steve Sarkisian. Texas comes into the game ranked No. 7 in total offense (495.7 yards per game), No. 10 in offensive yards per play (7.2), No. 11 in passing offense (306.7 ypg) and No. 7 in scoring offense (43.2 points per game).
With Mondon out the Bulldogs have relied on Raylen Wilson, a former five-star prospect from the 2022 recruiting cycle. Justin Williams and Chris Cole are also expected to play bigger roles going forward.
Mondon isn’t the only Georgia not expected to play this weekend. Running back Branson Robinson is expected to miss 2-3 weeks after suffering an MCL injury in a win over Mississippi State last week. Standout offensive lineman Tate Rateledge remains out after undergoing tightrope surgery on his ankle.
Texas is currently a 3.5-point betting favorite against Georgia, according to FanDuel sportsbook. Check out the latest FanDuel promo to get in the game.
