Georgia Bulldogs: Brock Bowers And 1 Other Offensive Star Not With Team At Orange Bowl

According to On3, tight end Brock Bowers and offensive tackle Amarius Mims were not seen getting off the plane with the rest of the team at Miami International Airport on Tuesday night, and head coach Kirby Smart didn’t provide much clarity.

Both players have been battling ongoing injuries, so as of now, their status for the Orange Bowl remains in question.

“Right now we’ve got our guys that are healthy playing,” Smart said when asked about the topic of opt outs. “Guys that are completely healthy cleared to play, they’ve all said they’re going to play.”

“That’s up to Brock. Brock’s been with us the whole time and he’s been doing all the things he’s got to do,” Smart added when asked specifically about Bowers. “It’s more important though that he’s 100%. The guy probably played earlier than he should have, came out there and competed his butt off. He’s done everything he can for Georgia. He’s not 100% so it makes it a little harder to do.”

The fact that Bowers and Mims did not get off the plane with the team does not mean they will not be in Miami eventually. While it indicates that the two players will sit the game out, it falls well short of confirming it and there’s still a chance they could both suit up for the Georgia Bulldogs when Saturday rolls around.

Bowers told reporters last week in Athens that he “wasn’t sure” about his availability for Saturday’s showdown with No. 5 Florida State but that he had been with the team for meetings and practice ahead of the Orange Bowl.

It’s clear the star tight end wants to play, but he’s not going to risk his health and future NFL Draft stock and compete in a game that means nothing other than pride in finishing the season with his team.

Both Georgia Bulldogs Projected To Be Future NFL Stars

Brock Bowers is considered to be a generational talent as the tight end position continues to evolve in the NFL and is a sure-fire first round prospect for April’s draft.

Bowers was a unanimous selection for All-American status this season and won his second-straight Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. For the third straight season, the Napa, Calif. native led Georgia in receiving as he hauled in 56 passes for 714 yards and six scores. He did that in just 10 games, missing two after having tightrope ankle surgery in October and another to close out the regular season with soreness in that ankle.

Mims, who also projects highly in the NFL Draft, started six of the seven games he played this season. He also started a pair last year in the College Football Playoffs. Like Bowers, Mims suffered an ankle injury that required surgery. He missed more time however and ended up leaving the SEC Championship Game early with an injury as well.

It will be interesting to see if Brock Bowers and/or Amarius Mims end up suiting up for the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 4PM ET.