ATHENS — Georgia lost three key defenders in the team’s 24-20 win over Florida this past week. Jordan Hall and Chris Cole both exited the game in the first quarter, while cornerback Demello Jones left in the fourth quarter.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart provided an update on the trio when speaking to reporters on Monday.

Jordan Hall will be “out for some time,” Smart said. Hall left with a knee injury on the third play of the game for Georgia.

“Jordan is a tough one because that kid’s been through a lot injury-wise,” Smart said. “He fought to get back last year towards the end of the year, and he wasn’t even 100 percent healthy then. Then he had a good offseason and was really leading and competing and playing well for us. Just a tough injury for him to sustain. We’ll see what the timeline is once we know more later today and tomorrow.”

With Hall out, Xzavier McLeod and Elijah Griffin will take on a larger role on the defensive line. Look for redshirt freshman Nnamdi Ogboko and redshirt sophomore Joshua Horton to see an uptick in snaps.

Smart did provide better news on Chris Cole, as Smart thinks Georgia might be able to get the sophomore linebacker back for the game against Mississippi State. Cole is likely to be limited in practice on Monday.

“Chris Cole, we have a chance to get back this week,” Smart said. “We think he’s gonna be able to play and be able to go. He might be a little limited today, but he’ll be able to practice tomorrow.”

At inside linebacker, Terrell Foster subbed in for two snaps with Cole out. Georgia is also likely to lean on Justin Williams more at inside linebacker. In terms of rushing off the edge, Georgia did deploy Raylen Wilson more in the role held by Cole. The sophomore is tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.0.

Smart did say that the elbow injury Jones suffered was not as severe as initially feared and that he could possibly return to play this week.

“Demello, surprisingly, is better than we originally thought,” Smart said. “He’s got some soreness in the elbow, but he may be able to play, so we’re excited that news isn’t as significant as we thought.”

Georgia will continue to start Daylen Everette and Ellis Robinson at cornerback. The potential absence of Jones could allow Daniel Harris to reenter the lineup at cornerback.

Entering the game against Florida, most of Georgia’s injuries had been on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receivers Colbie Young and Talyn Taylor at still out.

Georgia is expected to be without Kyron Jones once again, as he continues to deal with a foot injury. Jacorey Thomas got the start alongside KJ Bolden against Florida.

Bolden was ejected following a targeting penalty. Zion Branch came in and played the entire second half in the Georgia secondary.

An availability report will be put out by the SEC on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday.

The game against Mississippi State is scheduled for a Noon ET start on ESPN.

Georgia football injury report