Georgia Tech will play without linebacker Brant Mitchell for the Yellow Jackets’ Saturday night game against Wake Forest at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mitchell was among four players ruled out on the team injury report released Thursday, with a lower-body injury.
Mitchell left last Saturday’s game against Miami and did not return. He had ice taped to his midsection.
However, B-back KirVonte Benson, who also left the 25-24 loss to the Hurricanes and did not come back, was listed as probable (lower body), as was defensive end Antonio Simmons (upper body). Benson has rushed for 100 yards in three of Tech's five games and had gained 40 yards on seven carries against Miami before leaving the game. Coach Paul Johnson had said Wednesday that "I think he's got a good chance to play."
The report also declared kicker Shawn Davis out for the season, joining offensive tackle Andrew Marshall. Davis tore his ACL trying to make a tackle on a kickoff against Miami. It confirms Johnson's diagnosis Wednesday that he was "probably" out for the season. Johnson noted the hard work that Davis had put in to win the starting job. Brenton King will play in his place.
The loss of Mitchell is considerable for Tech. He was Tech’s leading tackler going into the game against the Hurricanes and has been an integral part of the Jackets’ improved defensive play this season. His three quarterback hurries are tied for second on the team. Mitchell was replaced in the Miami game by freshman Bruce Jordan-Swilling.
Three other players were listed as out for Tech – linebacker David Curry (lower body) and offensive linemen Brad Morgan (upper body) and his twin brother Scott Morgan (upper body). The latter Morgan is the No. 2 center on the depth chart behind Kenny Cooper, and Marshall was the other option, leaving Tech without an experienced option. Walk-ons Bailey Ivemeyer and Chet Lagod took snaps in warmups before the Miami game last Saturday.
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