When Kentucky travels to Athens to face Georgia (Saturday, noon ET, ABC), both teams will be dealing with injuries at critical positions. In a game where the Wildcats are a heavy underdog, the health of a few key players could determine whether they can keep it close or get run out of the building.
Here is the latest update on where both teams stand.
Kentucky Wildcats Injury Status
OUT
- RB #10 Jamarion Wilcox
- DB #21 Nasir Addison
- DB #24 Jaden Smith
- DL #55 Nic Smith
- WR #82 David Washington Jr.
- TE #85 Elijah Brown
- WR #89 Preston Bowman
QUESTIONABLE
- DB #5 DJ Waller Jr.
- ILB #32 Devin Smith
PROBABLE
- QB #5 Zach Calzada
- OL #53 Aba Selm
The entire spotlight for Kentucky is on cornerback DJ Waller Jr. After being listed as doubtful earlier in the week, his upgrade to questionable provides a glimmer of hope. The UK secondary has been vulnerable to explosive plays without him, and his potential return is massive. Against a skilled Georgia receiving corps, Waller is Kentucky's best option to neutralize a top target and allow the defensive front more time to pressure quarterback Carson Beck.
Georgia Bulldogs Injury Status
OUT
- TE #9 Ethan Barbour
- WR #11 Talyn Taylor
- OL #51 Malachi Toliver
- OL #71 Earnest Greene III
- WR #88 Thomas Blackshear
The most significant loss for Georgia is starting left tackle Earnest Greene III. His absence creates a major opportunity for Kentucky’s defensive line. Georgia’s offense has thrived on giving Gunner Stockton a clean pocket, but without Greene, UK’s front 4 and the rest of the front seven have a clear point of attack. Expect Kentucky to run stunts and blitzes to test Greene's replacement and try to generate the kind of pressure they've struggled to create against elite teams. They have to get home.
Key matchup to watch
Kentucky's pass rush vs. Georgia's backup tackle: This is where the game could be won or lost for the Wildcats' defense. If Kentucky can consistently pressure Stockton by exploiting Greene's absence, it could disrupt the timing of Georgia's passing game and potentially force turnovers. If they can't, Stockton will have all day to pick apart a secondary that is either missing or getting back a key player in DJ Waller Jr. And even if Waller plays there will be a significant question on just how healthy he is.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion