Georgia’s receiving corps was dealt a serious blow this offseason as George Pickens suffered a significant injury during spring practice.

The No. 1 receiver in Athens was diagnosed with an ACL injury that required surgery to repair following a non-contact play at practice.

Picken’s injury and surgery took place four months ago and Kirby Smart provided the latest update on his star receiver during a Tuesday appearance at 2021 SEC Media Days from Hoover.

“George has made great progress,” Smart said. “George is running straight line. If you had to put somebody in the ACL program, who would you put him with better than Ron Courson and the guys like Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, guys he has done. I’m excited about that part.

“When you see George out there running it gets you excited but you also realize that running straight line is a lot different than playing football. He’s still a ways away”

It’s still unclear if Pickens will be able to play for the Bulldogs this season but it’s great to hear the star receiver continues to make strides as he works his way back from his injury.