Kirby Smart gives update on status of tight end Tre’ McKitty

Georgia was without one of its upperclassmen on offense on Saturday during its 37-10 win against Arkansas.

Tre’ McKitty underwent minor knee surgery earlier in September and was questionable for the game, ultimately being deemed unable to go against the Razorbacks. The graduate transfer from Florida State was set to play a large role at the tight end spot this season, but in his absence, true freshman Darnell Washington and redshirt sophomore John FitzPatrick saw most of the snaps there.

While Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart remarked during his weekly press conference that McKitty was improving, it’s still up in the air whether he will see the field against Auburn.

“He’s coming along nicely,” Smart told reporters. “He’s got a chance to play. It’s one of those deals that you’d like to get some really good live action before you go out there in the game. I don’t know if we’ll get a chance to do that. But he’s definitely improved and gotten in better shape.”

McKitty totaled 49 catches for 497 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Seminoles in 2018 and 2019. He was named to the John Mackey Award watch list before the season, with the award given annually to the best tight end in college football.

The Bulldogs and Tigers kick off at 7:30 pm on Saturday at Sanford Stadium, with the game to be televised on ESPN.

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.