Georgia Tech is heading into its ACC opener with a long injury list, and the Yellow Jackets will be without several key pieces when they visit Stanford on Saturday night.
The biggest names on the out list are starting defensive end Jordan Walker, starting safety Savion Riley, and starting left tackle Ethan Mackenny. Mackenny also missed Georgia Tech’s win over Mercer last Saturday, with Jordan Floyd stepping in at left tackle. Floyd is expected to stay on the left side again this week.
The Yellow Jackets also ruled out freshmen receivers Darnell Collins, Kentrell Davis, and Coi Jean-Noel, along with freshman defensive back Trae Stevenson Jr., who blocked a punt for a touchdown against Tennessee in Week 2. Also unavailable are second-year safety Fenix Felton, safety Will Kiker, and defensive linemen A.J. Hoffler, Derry Norris, and Shymeik Jones.
Georgia Tech does have a handful of players listed as questionable, including backup running back Malachi Hosley, defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe, linebacker Kyle Efford, center Jameson Riggs, and second-year offensive lineman Josh Petty.
Petty’s status is a notable development after the injury he suffered in the spring. The former five-star offensive tackle is viewed as one of the most gifted players on Georgia Tech’s offensive line, and he still has a chance to fight for snaps on a unit that has struggled early.
The Jackets also listed defensive end Noah Carter, offensive lineman Joseph Ionata, tight end Kevin Roche Jr., and defensive lineman Vincent Carroll-Jackson as probable.
There’s plenty to sort through with this report, starting with Walker’s absence. He has been a steady leader for the defense since the spring, and with him sidelined, players like Taje McCoy should see more work after his strip sack against Mercer.
Safety is another area worth watching closely. Depth there has been a concern since spring and fall camp, and Georgia Tech is now set to test that depth without Riley and Felton. First-year players Kealan Jones and Chris Hewitt Jr. could be next up alongside Tae Harris.
The defensive line will also need others to fill the gap left by Jones and Hoffler, both depth pieces on that side of the ball.
If Hosley can’t go, Trelain Maddox would be in line for a bigger role.
Mbakwe missed the Mercer game after getting hurt against Tennessee, but there’s a chance he returns as ACC play begins. Efford also sat out last week, which opened the door for more snaps for Cayman Spaulding, Braylon Outlaw, and CJ Gamble.
Riggs’ status could force another start at center for Will Reed, who made his first start for Georgia Tech against Mercer.
On the other side of the list, Georgia Tech will be hoping the probable group is ready to go. Roche Jr. has emerged as one of the offense’s breakout players and one of Alberto Mendoza’s favorite targets.
Carter has been an effective pass rusher, posting an 87.1 pass rush grade on PFF in 16 pass-rushing snaps. Carroll-Jackson has logged 122 snaps inside on the defensive line, and Ionata has been the starter at right guard.
Now the question is whether Georgia Tech can navigate all of this and still leave Stanford with a road win.
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