Georgia Edge Rusher Mykel Williams Suffers Grade 2 Ankle Sprain

Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams has sustained a Grade 2 left ankle sprain and is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game against Tennessee Tech, an FCS opponent, according to Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart’s remarks on Monday.

Smart reported that the injury is stable and described Williams as being week-to-week. Although he is uncertain for this Saturday’s game, the prognosis for his injury does not suggest any long-term concerns.

Williams suffered his injury during a play involving Clemson running back Phil Mafah, who made a low block against him. This incident occurred with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter while Georgia was securing a 34-3 win over Clemson. Mafah was penalized for an illegal block in connection with the tackle.

This junior player hails from Columbus, Georgia, and left the Bulldogs’ locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium sporting a walking boot. In the game prior to his injury, Williams was impactful, recording two tackles for loss.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 265 pounds, Williams is highly regarded as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft. He is currently ranked as the No. 2 available prospect by ESPN’s Field Yates, with only Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. positioned above him.

In his previous season, Williams made a significant mark as he was recognized as a second-team All-SEC selection, having led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks. Additionally, his strong performance in 2022 earned him a spot as a freshman All-American.

The Bulldogs are facing challenges with injuries affecting their defensive front. Alongside Williams, senior tackle Warren Brinson exited the game against Clemson due to a bruised ankle; however, Smart expressed optimism about Brinson’s potential return for the matchup against Tennessee Tech.

Furthermore, tackles Xzavier McLeod, who is dealing with an abdominal strain, and Jordan Hall, recovering from a tibia stress fracture, both missed the game against Clemson. Their absence has certainly hampered the depth and effectiveness of the Bulldog’s defensive lineup.

Another notable absence was starting nickelback Joenel Aguero, who could not participate in the season opener due to a pulled muscle. Smart indicated that he is hopeful for Aguero’s return to the lineup this week, which would provide a boost to the team’s defensive scheme.

As Georgia prepares for their game against Tennessee Tech, the status of Williams and other key defensive players will remain under close observation. The team will aim to perform effectively despite these injury setbacks, as they continue their pursuit of a successful season.