ATHENS — Georgia inside linebacker Reggie Carter, who fell sick during interviews Monday, was absent again from Tuesday’s practice. And in a sign that his absence may be more than just a brief illness, a player has moved into his spot.

Senior Chuks Amaechi, a top backup at outside linebacker, was playing inside linebacker during Tuesday’s practice. Amaechi, who played some inside linebacker last year, was with that group during position drills, and lined up inside during a back-seven drill.

Carter, a junior, has been part of a three-man rotation at inside linebacker, with Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick. Amaechi was working with the second team on Tuesday.

Carter is dealing with a concussion, per head coach Kirby Smart after practice.

“We don’t know if Reggie will be able to play. We think he’ll be able to play,” Smart said. “He couldn’t practice today, and we don’t have enough inside backers to even function. Rashad (Roundtree) is playing there, and he’s doing a good job, but he’s about 205 pounds.”

Amaechi is getting “some backup reps,” per Smart.

“He played there prior to insurance policy, making sure we have enough inside backers should we need them,” Smart said.

More personnel updates from the viewing period:

  • Defensive tackle John Atkins was back in uniform, but was on an exercise bike and wearing a big brace on his right knee. Atkins, a starter, was absent from Monday’s practice.
  • Defensive end David Marshall, who missed the Tennessee game with a concussion, was practicing for a second consecutive day, this time in a regular jersey.
  • Nick Chubb was again in a regular jersey and was first in line for tailback drills.