Healthy Ealey, eligible King set to compete

Washaun Ealey is probably OK, and Caleb King is back to contend with him for carries, Georgia head coach Mark Richt said on Sunday’s teleconference.

Ealey said after Saturday’s win at Kentucky that he “tweaked” his knee a couple times. But Ealey, who scored a school-record five rushing touchdowns in the game, said he didn’t think it was serious, and Richt said he hadn’t heard otherwise on Sunday.

“The way he finished I don’t think it’s anything serious. I’m sure he’s a little sore,” said Richt, who added that athletic trainer Ron Courson’s postgame injury report didn’t include Ealey.

Meanwhile, King’s two-game suspension following an arrest is over. King was the starter before his suspension, and had been separating himself from the pack.

“I don’t think there’s any reason he won’t get back into the mix,” Richt said. “I think he’s played pretty well this season. I think he’s improved in a lot of areas throughout the year. We’re confident in his ability to play, so I’m sure he’ll get right back in there.”

A few other injury updates from Richt:

- Cornerback Branden Smith’s status remains uncertain. Smith has missed the past three games with a concussion.

“That’ll be one of the first things I’ll ask Ron as far as where do we think he’s at,” Richt said.

- Linebacker and special teamer Mike Gilliard injured his hamstring at Kentucky. His status is also uncertain.

- Receiver Logan Gray also appeared to hurt his hamstring, but Richt said Gray played after the injury.

“He may be in better shape than we think,” Richt said.

As for the next opponent, Florida, the Georgia coach seemed to compare Florida’s current state with how Georgia was after falling to 1-4.

The Gators had a bye this weekend, and head coach Urban Meyer said they would use the time to make some changes, especially on offense.

“I’m sure they’re doing some soul-searching and trying to find some answers too,” Richt said. “They have time to change their course a little bit. I’m sure that’s what they’re focusing on right now.”