ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 19: Nick Chubb #27 of the Georgia Bulldogs heads off the field after the game against South Carolina Gamecocks on September 19, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Nick Chubb

Medical personnel reportedly weigh in on Nick Chubb's recovery

Can the star back get healthy?

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart remains "optimistic" running back Nick Chubb will be able to return from knee injury for the team's season-opener against North Carolina next season.

Medical personnel, however, reportedly chimed in on Chubb's outlook, according to Gridiron Now's Tony Barnhart on The Frank Frangie Show on 1010XL in JacksonvilleVia Saturday Down South:

"The orthopedic people that I've talked to say from the date you injure the way he injured that knee, it's a calendar year," Barnhart said. "So if he comes back before the end of September, I'm going to be surprised.

"But if he comes back anywhere close to what he was before, Georgia's going to develop the quarterback and they're going to have a pretty good football team."

How the Georgia offense develops under Smart remains to be seen, but the Bulldogs certainly will need Chubb sooner rather than later.