Georgia Defensive End Mykel Williams Progressing from Ankle Injury; Status for Crimson Tide Matchup Remains Uncertain

Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart offered an update on star defensive end Mykel Williams during his Sept. 25th press conference, as the standout defender continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Williams, a former Hardaway High School star and All-American candidate, has been sidelined for Georgia’s last two games against Tennessee Tech and Kentucky after suffering the injury in the season opener against Clemson on August 31.

The Bulldogs are eager to see Williams return for the critical matchup against Alabama, as well as upcoming SEC competition, given his consistent impact and playmaking ability on the defensive line. Williams recorded 4.5 sacks in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons and has tallied 46 tackles so far in his collegiate career.

Coach Smart expressed cautious optimism about Williams’ availability for Saturday’s game.

“Mykel's been able to do a bit. I still don't know the timeline on Mykel,” Smart said. “He's looked good running and taking some reps; some light reps, some rush reps...the stuff he did out there today. It was his first day getting out there and really doing some things. Mykel is going to be close.”

A former Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year, Williams has quickly established himself as a dominant presence for Georgia. As a key contributor to the Bulldogs' 2022 National Championship team, he has solidified his role as one of the top defensive ends in the SEC.

Georgia and Alabama will face off in a much-anticipated showdown this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, with ABC providing live coverage.