Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers left the game against Vanderbilt early on Saturday with an apparent leg injury.
In the second quarter, Bowers attempted to limp off the field but dropped to a knee and punched the field as he was in too much pain to continue off the field. Bowers was helped off the field and then limped to the locker room with the assistance of a trainer.
The injury occurred when Bowers was wrapped up low by a Vanderbilt defender while taking an end around. Bowers ankle was twisted on the play, but was not rolled up on.
The Georgia training staff is taking a look at Brock Bowers. pic.twitter.com/8UlzP62Vkx
— CBS Sports College Football ? (@CBSSportsCFB) October 14, 2023
The junior tight end recorded four catches for 22 yards and two carries for 11 yards before leaving the contest.
During his halftime interview, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said that Bowers had an ankle sprain and was getting more tests done. Smart did note that Bowers thinks he'll be fine.
?He's got a little bit of an ankle sprain on the bottom part of his foot, but he thinks he'll be fine. We're gonna go X-ray it and check it out."
Kirby Smart provides an update on Brock Bowers. pic.twitter.com/gRUQn8pty0
— CFB Recruiting (@RecruitClique) October 14, 2023
Losing the top tight end in the country would be a massive blow to the No. 1 Dawgs and their quest for a third straight national title. Heading into Saturday's matchup with Vanderbilt, Bowers had 37 catches for 545 yards and four touchdowns.
Bowers has been one of the most dominant offensive players in college football over the past three seasons. In 2021 as a true freshman, Bowers caught 56 passes for 882 yards and four touchdowns. He followed that up by catching 63 passes for 942 yards and seven touchdowns and three more touchdowns on the ground.
Bowers was the go-to target for quarterback Stenson Bennett during Georgia's two national championship runs and was now becoming the favorite of young quarterback Carson Beck.
In Bowers' absence, Oscar Delp will assume the majority of the snaps at tight end. Delp was rated as the No. 1 tight end in the country in the 2022 recruiting class, so there is still plenty of talent for Smart and the Georgia offense to work with until Bowers can return.
