The Georgia football program confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Bulldogs star George Pickens suffered an ACL injury in spring training. The injury will require surgery for the junior, although no schedule has been set for his return.
“The good news is that MRI has shown to be an isolated injury, with no other structures involved,” said coach Kirby Smart. “George is a hard worker. I know he will bring the same work ethic to rehabilitation that he shows in practice every day.”
Pickens is easily one of Georgia’s best return players. After leading the team in receptions and touchdowns as a freshman in 2019, Pickens’ sophomore campaign once again saw him finish first in touchdown receptions (six) while tying for the team leader in receptions (36) in only eight games. He was particularly critical of the passing game in Georgia’s last two games of the year against Missouri and Cincinnati, accumulating three touchdown receptions and consecutive 100-yard games.
One of the off-season stories of the 2021 college football season was the development of Georgia’s attack. With JT Daniels finally entrenched as a full-back, perhaps the Bulldogs would finally unleash the more open attack that was anticipated when Todd Monken was hired to be the offensive coordinator. Bulldogs have other weapons in the passing game, including tight end Darnell Washington, who came in strong at the end of last year as a freshman.
Still, Pickens’ injury is a major blow to a heavy attack that seeks to take the next step.