Georgia will be without several key contributors for Saturday’s rivalry matchup against Auburn, while the status of one of its top defensive players remains uncertain.

The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs (6-0, 4-0 SEC) had seven players listed on Wednesday night’s initial SEC availability report, including five ruled out for Saturday’s 3:30 p.m. kickoff at Sanford Stadium.

Junior safety KJ Bolden was listed as questionable, while running back Chauncey Bowens, wide receivers Isiah Canion and Thomas Blackshear, outside linebacker Amaris Williams and defensive back Tyriq Green were ruled out.

Offensive lineman Marcus Harrison was listed as probable.

One notable absence from the report was running back Nate Frazier, who missed Georgia’s 20-17 victory over Alabama last Saturday because of a lingering rib injury. His absence from the report is an encouraging sign for the Bulldogs, although it does not guarantee he will play against Auburn.

Bolden’s status is among Georgia’s biggest concerns entering the weekend.

The junior safety suffered an apparent leg injury late in the fourth quarter against Alabama after recording a third-down sack. Bolden, who has 22 tackles and an interception this season, is one of Georgia’s most experienced players in the secondary.

His availability will be worth monitoring as the Bulldogs prepare to face an Auburn offense led by quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Georgia’s Backfield Remains a Question Mark

Georgia’s running back depth also remains a concern.

Bowens, who leads the Bulldogs with six rushing touchdowns, will miss his second consecutive game after suffering a lower-body injury against Vanderbilt on Oct. 3. He has rushed for 124 yards on 35 carries this season.

Frazier, meanwhile, has been limited since injuring his ribs against Arkansas. He played sparingly against Vanderbilt before being unable to go against Alabama despite participating in pregame warmups.

With both players sidelined against the Crimson Tide, Dwight Phillips Jr. made his first career start and delivered a breakout performance, rushing for 120 yards on 17 carries. Freshman Bo Walker added 69 yards on 10 attempts as Georgia finished with 206 rushing yards.

Following the victory, head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the challenges Georgia has faced with its growing injury list.

“We’re a beat-up football team right now,” Smart said. “We have guys out left and right, and to have both those backs out and Isiah (Canion) out at receiver – tough deal, but we responded.”

Georgia will also remain shorthanded at wide receiver.

Canion has not played since suffering a leg injury against Arkansas, while Blackshear injured his shoulder against Vanderbilt. Both were unavailable against Alabama and have already been ruled out against Auburn.

Defensively, Williams and Green remain sidelined, leaving Georgia without additional depth at outside linebacker and in the secondary.

There is some positive news along the offensive line, however. Harrison, who has missed the Bulldogs’ previous four games, was upgraded to probable on Wednesday’s report.

Auburn Also Dealing With Key Absences

Auburn (3-2, 1-2 SEC) is also dealing with notable absences.

The Tigers ruled out linebacker Xavier Atkins, offensive lineman Tai Buster and tight end Hunter Herring.

Atkins’ absence is particularly significant. The preseason All-American led Auburn with 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season.

The SEC will release updated availability reports Thursday and Friday before issuing its final report 90 minutes before Saturday’s kickoff.

For Georgia, the biggest questions moving forward will center on Bolden’s availability and whether Frazier can return to help stabilize a backfield that has been tested by injuries.

Despite those concerns, the Bulldogs enter the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry undefeated and looking to build on their road victory over Alabama.

Georgia’s Oct. 14 Availability Report

Player Position Status
Chauncey Bowens RB Out
Isiah Canion WR Out
Thomas Blackshear WR Out
Amaris Williams OLB Out
Tyriq Green DB Out
KJ Bolden S Questionable
Marcus Harrison OL Probable