Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart provided an injury update on Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, a preseason All-American, ahead of the Charlotte 49ers game. Smart clarified that Allen suffered a knee injury in Georgia’s win over Texas.
“He’ll (CJ Allen) be week to week and see when we can get him back,” Smart said on Monday. It is unclear if Allen will be able to play against Charlotte. Georgia won’t need Allen to beat the 49ers, but his return would be more important for the Georgia Tech game or potentially the SEC championship.
During the Texas game, where Allen left with a knee injury, he told coach Smart that he “was good”, which is an encouraging sign for Georgia fans.
Allen has 78 tackles (leads team), 3 1/2 sacks (leads team), two forced fumbles (leads team) and three pass deflections this season. His ability to diagnose the plays opposing offenses are running has been critical to Georgia’s success this season.
Allen’s injury status will be one to keep an eye on. He is arguably the best linebacker in the country and is projected to be an early pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Georgia has plenty of talent and depth at inside linebacker, but Allen is not replaceable.
If Allen misses extended time, then linebackers Justin Williams and Chris Cole are expected to see more playing time opposite of starting inside linebacker Raylen Wilson. Georgia has completed their regular season SEC games, so the Bulldogs won’t have another SEC availability report unless they play in the SEC championship game.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia LB CJ Allen injury: Update from Kirby Smart
