The Georgia Bulldogs had to play the Alabama Crimson Tide down their top three running backs. Georgia All-SEC star running back Nate Frazier was unable to give it a go against the Crimson Tide.
Frazier has missed three straight Georgia games after suffering a ribs injury against Arkansas. He did not appear on the SEC availability report ahead of the Alabama game, so he was expected to play.
"No, I mean, it’s a bad situation because we thought all week he was gonna play, and he didn’t feel like he could go," Smart said after the Alabama game. "He was in pain. It continues to be painful for him, and not a lot we can do. I mean, like I said, we’re a beat-up football team and we’re down three backs, really."
Running back is a thin position for Georgia
with the No. 2 option, Chauncey Bowens out after suffering an injury against Vanderbilt. The third-best back, Dante Dowdell, was in an offseason ATV accident and is unlikely to return this season.
"Like I said, we thought Nate (Fraizer) was going to be able to play (against Alabama), and that was a surprise to us," Smart said, In Frazier's absence, Dwight Phillips Jr. had a career day for Georgia. Phillips Jr. got some good run blocking from his offensive line and quarterback Gunner Stockton had a productive day for Phillips Jr., which helped open things up for the speedy running back.
It is unclear who will play for Georgia at running back against Auburn. Phillips Jr. took a big hit late in the second half against Alabama, so we'll see if he's able to give it a go. Bo Walker figures to see a lot of carries against Auburn if other backs are unable to return.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirby Smart surprised RB Nate Frazier couldn't play at Alabama
