Georgia injury updates: Thompson, Catalina and others

ATHENS — Georgia is cautiously optimistic that each player injured in the Kentucky game will be able to play against Auburn.

That includes defensive lineman Trent Thompson, left tackle Tyler Catalina, receiver Reggie Davis and inside linebacker Natrez Patrick.

“We’ve got a lot of guys beat up, banged, bruised,” Smart said.

But Smart said the only player definitely out will be receiver Jayson Stanley (infection). And defensive lineman DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle (ankle) is questionable. Both missed the trip to Kentucky.

Thompson hurt his hip in the first half and did not return. He has 35 tackles this season, more than any other defensive lineman, and leads the team with 5 tackles-for-loss. While he’s only started four games, Thompson is one of the best players on Georgia’s defense, key for pushing the pocket against the pass and providing an athletic presence against the run.

Catalina suffered a lower left leg injury in the second half and did not return. The graduate transfer from Rhode Island has started every game this season.

Davis left the Kentucky game with a shoulder sprain. The team’s main kick returner — freshman Mecole Hardman replaced him in that role Saturday — Davis also has 8 catches for 97 yards this season.

Patrick also was seen being treated in the medical tent later in the game, but did not have any obvious injury.