Georgia football injury update on RB Nate Frazier ahead of Vanderbilt game

Nate Frazier spent his birthday watching from the sidelines Saturday as Georgia footballsmothered Oklahoma 41-13.

The junior running back and Bulldogs’ top rusher did not play due to what the ESPN broadcast said was a ribs injury sustained a week earlier at Arkansas.

Coach Kirby Smart had said at the start of last week that he expected Frazier to play.

He was dressed out, but Chauncey Bowens and Dwight Phillips carried the load at running back.

Smart was asked on Monday Sept. 28 about Frazier ahead of Saturday’s home game against Vanderbilt.

“As far as Nate, I'll just defer to the injury report like everybody else does," Smart said of the SEC availability report that is released for the first time during conference game weeks on Wednesday nights. "That's why we have them."

Bowens had nine carries for 26 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma and Phillips had eight for 84 yards including a 54-yard touchdown run.

Georgia also was missing wide receiver Isiah Canion Saturday with an apparent leg injury sustained at Arkansas.

Thomas Blackshear got more work at wide receiver Saturday with Canion's absence.

"Thomas has been afforded the opportunity because he's worked really hard," Smart said, "and you know Isiah's injury in his absence has given the ability for a lot of guys to through and play some X (receiver) and develop and work."

Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson came out of the Oklahoma game with a non-disclosed injury in the third quarter after a screen pass.

“He looks good,” Smart said after the game.

USC transfer Braylon Conley stepped in and got a season-high 39 snaps.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football injury update on RB Nate Frazier ahead of Vanderbilt game