Kirby Smart knows how important RB Nick Chubb is to the success of the Bulldogs in 2016.

And the first-year coach is smart enough to know not to let his injured star feel that pressure.

Chubb’s progress from last year’s horrific knee injury has been well documented, and his return to the practice field this spring has been widely praised.

The optimism that comes with positive signs in the rehabilitation process is certainly good for Chubb’s morale, but Smart wants to make sure that it doesn’t become something that creates unrealistic expectations for a guy that still has work to do to get himself back at 100-percent.

Smart told ESPN.com’s Edward Aschoff that he’s being very careful in leaving expectations out of the conversation with Chubb.

“I’m not going into the first game going, ‘We gotta have him and if he’s not there I’m disappointed,'” Smart told ESPN.com last week. “I don’t want that expectation on him.”

“I’m optimistic that he can [return for the opener at 100 percent], but I don’t want that burden or that expectation put on him,” Smart said. “I want Nick to do the best he can today and then … I want him to do the best he can tomorrow.”

The presence of a strong runner like Sony Michel already on the roster is certain to help with Smart’s patience.