Darnell Washington, injured Georgia football players update how they’re feeling for National Championship

Connor Riley,

DawgNation staff

@Kconnorriley Posted 9 hours ago

LOS ANGELES – The Georgia Bulldogs are making their final preparations for Monday night’s game against TCU. And a number of injured Georgia players are doing everything they can to get on the field.

The biggest name, both physically and in terms of importance, is Darnell Washington. He suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of the win over Ohio State, leaving the game and not returning.

Washington told DawgNation that he is feeling better and hasn’t worn a boot on his injured ankle since at least Wednesday. But as for the game, he said the decision was out of his hands. Georgia coach Kirby Smart has indicated he hopes to have Washington, a common refrain for injured players this season.

“When I got the chance to get back out there (on the field) I was down,” Washington said. “I wanted to play clearly. I think we were down by two possessions at the time and I just wanted to play. It was hard to see them go through this. I’m glad they went through it, fought and came out victorious. I’m proud of them.”

On the season, Washington has caught 27 passes for 426 yards. If he is unable to go, expect Oscar Delp to see a rapid rise. He filled in for Washington in the win over Ohio State, playing 21 snaps.

Washington wasn’t the only Bulldog to sit out the win over Ohio State, as Chaz Chambliss left the game with a knee injury. The outside linebacker noted that he felt fine, offering a response similar to Washington’s.

“Mentally, just try to prepare myself and my body for this game,” Chambliss said.

Related: Kirby Smart is leaning on young players as Georgia football faces ‘biggest test of all’

If Chambliss is unable to play, a greater load will fall on Robert Beal’s shoulders in terms of defensive responsibilities. Marvin Jones and Jalon Walker will also see an increase in snaps, with Jones taking over some of Chambliss’ special teams duties.

“The whole room is focused as always,” Chambliss said. “It’s always a future mentality.”

Offensive tackle Warren McClendon looks much closer to contributing this week than he did last week. McClendon’s only hit in the win over Ohio State came on his knees. His focus this week has been getting back into game form. McClendon suffered a knee injury in the SEC championship game against LSU on Dec. 3.

Smart was much more positive when talking about McClendon on Friday.

“He’s been working,” Smart said. “He’s felt a lot better this week in terms of what he’s been able to do compared to previous weeks.”

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was able to play in Georgia’s win over the Buckeyes. He has battled knee injuries all season and had just two catches in the Peach Bowl. But he came up with a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter to pull Georgia within three points.

“It was a good feeling,” McConkey said of his game. “That was Arian (Smith)h’s off game, so that was a big play. I just go out there and put on a show when they want me to.”

Smart and TCU coach Sonny Dykes will address the media one last time Sunday before Monday’s game. Both teams will practice on Saturday, with Georgia hosting SoFi Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Monday’s game will be played there, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM ET.

Georgia Football Injury Report for 2023 National Championship GameAndrew Paul (knee, out) CJ Washington (neck, out) Dan Jackson (foot, out) Earnest Greene (back, out) Drew Bobo (labrum, out) CJ Smith ( ankle, out) Nolan Smith (Pec, out) Chaz Chambliss (knee, questionable) Darnell Washington (ankle, questionable) Warren McClendon (knee, questionable) De’Nylon Morrissette (knee/snail, questionable) Ladd McConkey (knee, probable) Marvin Jones Jr. (ankle, probable) AD Mitchell (ankle, probable) More Georgia football stories from around DawgNation