If Georgia coach Mark Richt wanted star running back Todd Gurley's playing status for Saturday's game against Vanderbilt to be a mystery, the mission was accomplished.
Just about 48 hours after saying the sophomore was "real close" to a return to the Bulldogs' lineup from an ankle injury, Richt's description of Gurley's condition took a hard turn Wednesday, characterizing Gurley's status as "doubtful".
"We are preparing to play without him," said Richt, according to onlineathens.com.
Gurley has missed the last two games since sustaining an ankle sprain against LSU. Gurley remains UGA's leading rusher despite the time off, with 450 yards and an average of 112.5 per game in the four games he's played. His return is all the more crucial for Georgia since the Bulldogs lost his primary backup, Keith Marshall, to a season-ending knee injury.
Gurley (6-foot-2, 232 pounds) is arguably the most talented running back in the Southeastern Conference, although he is too young to declare for the 2014 NFL Draft. He'll be a true junior next year.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*