ATHENS — While Georgia’s best player is out for the rest of the season, there’s optimism that the rest of its injured players will be able to use the bye week to rest and be ready for Florida.

It’s a lengthy list, starting at tailback. Nick Chubb is out for the year with a knee injury, and his replacement, Sony Michel, has been dealing with a groin strain, briefly having to go to the locker room during Saturday’s game. He still ended up with 26 carries and four receptions.

The defensive line is another problem spot. Chris Mayes, who started Georgia’s first six games, missed Saturday’s game with a knee injury. It evidently isn’t a bad injury, as Mayes was only ruled out in pregame warmups.

“We didn’t feel like it was wise to get him in there,” coach Mark Richt said Sunday.

Then during the game, Trent Thompson, the freshman rising star on the defensive line, “tweaked” his ankle, according to Richt.

“I don’t think it’s anything severe at all, Richt said. “He may not even miss a practice.”

Several other players who missed the game – linebacker Jordan Jenkins (groin strain) and receiver Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) – are on the way back. And others have played through injuries, including center Brandon Kublanow (ankle).

“Now that we’ve got a couple weeks, we’ll be sure to rest these guys, to get them in a position to be as healthy and rested as possible,” Richt said.