Injuries galore for the Georgia defense

The middle linebacker and safety spots were reaching deep down the depth chart on Thursday, thanks to a rash of injuries.

Both inside linebackers – Christian Robinson and Alec Ogletree – were out. Robinson is day-to-day with a concussion, and Ogletree’s time out was given as “indefinite” with a strained groin. Reserve Mike Gilliard (knee) was also out.

That left Richard Samuel and Brandon Burrows working with the first team at Thursday’s practice.

“Brandon Burrows was out there today, and he did a real good job,” outside linebacker Cornelius Washington said. “He made a few plays that I really liked. He’s adjusting to it real well, I think he’s going to be real good right there.”

The safety position may have been hit harder, enough so that cornerback Sanders Commings was playing free safety, according to Marc Deas - himself one of the hurt safeties. Deas tweaked his hamstring last week and hasn't practiced since then.

Jakar Hamilton (concussion) is also out day-to-day. Projected starter Bacarri Rambo (sprained MCL) is sitting out the rest of spring practice. So Shawn Williams was the only remaining safety, necessitating the Commings move.

“Shawn Williams is the only true safety that we have. Because Sanders, he’s new to it. He’s learning plays and stuff,” Deas said.

The coaches were not available to the media. Deas said he had no idea whether the Commings move was just for practice or longer.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll find out after G-Day, see how he does at that position, if they like him there,” Deas said. “Sanders is a pretty big dude for a corner.”