Georgia’s offense will have to take on Alabama without one of its starting wide receivers.
Isiah Canion was ruled out on Friday night’s SEC injury report after entering the week as questionable for Saturday night’s primetime game in Tuscaloosa, set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The junior had already missed Georgia’s last two games with a leg injury, and now he’ll sit out a third straight contest.
Canion’s absence leaves Georgia without a player who had shown up in the rotation early this season. He has three catches for 28 yards, with his last reception coming in Week 2 against Western Kentucky. His most recent game action came in the first quarter of Georgia’s Week 3 win at Arkansas, when he left on the opening series with a bone bruise in his right knee.
Georgia listed Canion as questionable on the first two injury reports this week, so there was at least some hope he might be available for what’s being called arguably the Bulldogs’ most important regular-season game. That hope faded Friday night, when he was officially tagged out.
Canion was one of six Georgia players ruled out for the Alabama matchup. The others were wide receiver Thomas Blackshear, tailback Chauncey Bowens, outside linebacker Amaris Williams, defensive back Tyriq Green and offensive lineman Marcus Harrison.
Without Canion, Georgia’s path gets tougher in a big road spot. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about Georgia’s chances to overcome Canion’s absence and prevail in primetime in Tuscaloosa:
In Other News...
Saban Just Raised The Stakes For Alabama Against Georgia
The buildup to Alabama-Georgia already had all the ingredients of a marquee October matchup, and Nick Saban did little to cool it off this week. With both teams sitting at 5-0, the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs are headed into a game that carries the feel of an early measuring stick for the SEC and the national picture, especially with Georgia coming in as the defending standard after last seasons championship-level run.
Sabans praise for Georgia only sharpens the intrigue, since he called the Bulldogs one of the most complete teams in the country and acknowledged how dominant they have been so far. Alabama also has recent history to answer for, after Georgia beat the Tide 28-7 in the SEC Championship, so this meeting has the makings of more than just another high-end showdown. It is another chance for Alabama to show where it stands against the team that has set the tone in the conference. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Is Sending A Clear Message About EJ Crowells Slow Start
Alabamas backfield picture has been shaped as much by health and development as by depth chart order, and EJ Crowell fits right into that story. The freshman running back has been eased in after missing significant practice time because of injuries, and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb along with running backs coach Robert Gillespie have both stressed the same theme: patience. Crowells talent and work ethic have kept him in the conversation, even as the staff continues to manage his growth carefully.
So far, the usage has reflected that approach, with Crowell getting a limited role while Alabama sorts out how to bring him along without rushing the process. He has already flashed enough to show why the staff is encouraged, but the larger message from the coaches is that the slow start is about development, not doubt. For a player with his upside, the next step is less about forcing the issue and more about waiting for the right time to let it come together. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Could Get A Needed Offensive Boost For Georgia
Josh Fords return would give Alabama a welcome option at tight end heading into the Georgia game, especially after the arm injury that required surgery forced him to sit out. The encouraging sign for the Crimson Tide is that he practiced during the week, and Kalen DeBoer sounded optimistic about where Ford stands as kickoff approaches.
For Alabama, any added help in the passing game and as a blocker matters in a matchup where depth can tilt the margins. Georgia is getting running back Nate Frazier back from bruised ribs, while Chauney Bowens is out, and the broader SEC injury picture also includes Florida receiver Vernell Brown III as a game-time decision and Tennessee turning to George MacIntyre after the injury to Faizon Brandon. [Read more 🡒]