Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said Thursday he is optimistic about running back Trevor Etienne’s availability for Saturday’s Southeastern Conference title game against Texas in Atlanta.

Etienne has missed the past three games for the No. 5 Bulldogs (10-2) with a rib injury. He was listed as questionable for the game against the No. 2 Longhorns (11-1) on Wednesday night’s injury report.

Etienne ranks second on the team with 477 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in eight games this season. He also has 23 receptions for 140 yards.

Etienne starred in Georgia’s 30-15 win at then-No. 1 Texas on Oct. 19, rushing 19 times for 87 yards and three scores and adding three catches for 23 yards.

Smart also sounded optimistic about defensive tackle Christen Miller, who missed last weekend’s eight-overtime win against Georgia Tech with a shoulder injury.

“They’ve been taking part in some parts of practice and taking reps, and (we’re) hopeful that those guys are able to do something,” Smart said. “They’re listed as questionable right now.”

–Field Level Media