Kirby Smart didn’t have the services of top running back Trevor Etienne last Saturday. Even though Georgia still beat Tennessee without the Florida transfer, Etienne is a huge part of the Bulldogs’ offense.

The Georgia head coach wanted to set the record straight regarding Etienne, who managed to play in the loss at Ole Miss on Nov. 9 after suffering an injury against Florida the week before. ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported that Etienne had fractured ribs, an injury that can potentially take 6 weeks to heal.

“We think (the injury) occurred during the week of practice last week,” said Smart during Tuesday’s press conference. “I assumed it was during the Ole Miss game, but he didn’t complain about any soreness. We’re still hopeful to get him back soon.”

Etienne is Georgia’s rushing leader with 477 yards on 95 carries and 7 touchdowns. Despite playing against Ole Miss, Etienne was a non-factor in the 28-10 loss with just 6 carries for 24 yards. The week before against Florida, he had only 7 carries for 31 yards, so Etienne hasn’t been a real factor for the Bulldogs since October.

Etienne being less than 100% also affects Georgia’s passing game, as he has 23 catches out of the backfield for 140 yards this season. He was an impact player at Florida in 2022 and ’23, running for over 700 yards both seasons with a combined 14 touchdowns.

If Georgia is going to do what it wants to do in the postseason, it will likely need a healthier Etienne to help Carson Beck balance out the Bulldogs offense.