Sony Michel Injury: Updates on Georgia RB's Arm and Recovery

On Monday, the Georgia Bulldogs confirmed running back Sony Michel suffered a broken left forearm in an accident on July 3, according to Anthony Dasher of UGASports.com.

Continue for updates.

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Smart Comments on Michel Recovery Timeline

Thursday, July 7

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters Michel has a "six-to eight-week recovery period" following surgery on his injured arm.  

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Michel Undergoes Surgery After Crash

Monday, July 4

Dasher reported Michel underwent successful surgery on July 4 and is expected to make a full recovery. 

Citing sources, Dasher also reported Michel suffered the injury in an accident on an ATV, though "school officials failed to divulge any more details."

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Michel Crucial to Georgia Offense 

The injury is a major concern for Georgia, which relied heavily on Michel last season after losing starter Nick Chubb for the season because of a knee injury. Michel rushed 219 times for 1,161 yards with eight touchdowns, and the team expected him to form a dynamic duo with Chubb in 2016.

But with Chubb still not cleared to practice and Michel's return date unknown, one of the Bulldogs' strengths heading into this season is now a concern.

Dasher did report Chubb "is making great progress in his recovery," however. He could be ready for the start of the season, though Georgia won't want to rush him back.

That was less of a concern before Michel's injury, as the team knew it could rely on 2015's breakout performer in Chubb's stead. That made Michel the team's seventh-most important player for the 2016 season, according to Seth Emerson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

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If something happened to Michel, don’t assume that Georgia could just trot out Elijah Holyfield and get the same upside, at least this year. And there would almost certainly be a steep drop-off from Michel to anyone not named Chubb. Georgia’s offense could survive this season without Michel. But in order to maximize itself this year, it needs not just a healthy Chubb, but a healthy Michel.

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Elijah Holyfield may be next in line for touches out of the backfield, along with senior Brendan Douglas and freshman Brian Herrien. But Michel's injury is a major blow for a Georgia team that was hoping to rely on him heavily in 2016, regardless of Chubb's status.

Now, Georgia will be closely monitoring the status of its two best running backs heading into the season.

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