ATHENS — Kirby Choates, a sophomore defensive back, has not been practicing with the Georgia football team or traveling for road games the past two weeks.

Choates is apparently still on the team, but he is not injured.

“Kirby is focusing on academics right now,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “It was kind of a joint decision, that he was struggling with some things, and we wanted him to focus on the academics, and he’s been doing that.”

Choates has played in three games this year – Nicholls State, Missouri and Tennessee – all on special teams. He has not recorded a tackle.