Georgia loses key defensive back to injury against Ball State

Georgia on Saturday saw one of its core defensive backs exit the game against Ball State after an early-game injury.

Javon Bullard, a 1st-team All-SEC pick and 2nd-team preseason All-American, made a tackle on a Ball State 3rd down in the 1st quarter. He would exit the game after suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Later, as ESPN’s Brandon Zimmerman reported, Bullard was spotted on the sidelines with a walking boot and out of uniform, signaling the end of his day.

Bullard’s injury status will be closely monitored as he stands as not only one of the top defensive backs in the SEC, but in the entire country. He recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks from his safety spot in 2022, adding a pair of interceptions in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against TCU. He was also credited with 7 quarterback hurries and 3 passes defended.

Against UT-Martin in the 2023 season opener, Bullard made 4 tackles.

Georgia All-SEC safety Javon Bullard is wearing a walking boot and is in street clothes on the Bulldogs' sideline.

— Brandon Zimmerman (@BZSEC) September 9, 2023

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.