Smart says Phillips was tired, not hurt, after leaving Florida game

Running back Dwight Phillips Jr. left the field in the fourth quarter of Saturday's win over Florida. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the player was more exhausted than injured. "He's fine. Dwight's fine," Smart said. "I think he was more tired than hurt."

Phillips rushed for 67 yards before exiting the game. That total tied Nate Frazier for the most among all players in the match. He handled the ball nine times before Smart substituted him out. The coaching staff has monitored Phillips closely over the last two weeks. He also left the field briefly during the Auburn game after hitting the bench.

The team faces other availability questions as it prepares for the next contest. Chauncey Bowens is listed as questionable on the official report. He had been ruled out previously but may return. Bowens has not played since the October 3 victory over Vanderbilt.

Wide receiver Isiah Canion is also dealing with a knee issue. Smart noted that Canion had a four-game career high in a previous match. The receiver has missed time due to a missed communication regarding his status. Smart said the team is confident in the player's ability to handle the workload.

The current injury report lists six position players with ailments. Ellis Robinson has a knee injury. Wide receiver Isiah Canion has a knee injury. Running back Chauncey Bowens has a foot injury. Outside linebacker Amaris Williams has a knee injury. Wide receiver Thomas Blackshear has a collarbone injury. Safety Tyriq Green has an ankle injury.

Smart said the team will make final decisions on availability before the game. He noted that the group has a solid base of healthy players. The coaching staff will not rush any player back before they are fully ready. The team will provide an update on the status of these players in the coming days.