ATHENS — Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan, who collided with Southern’s Devon Gales in Saturday’s game, visited Gales’ family in the hospital this week.

Gales remains at Athens Regional after a severe spinal injury. He has movement in his upper body and extremities but so far has been unable to walk. He also suffered neck fractures.

The injury occurred on a kickoff, when Gales was blocking and he and Morgan collided, helmet-to-helmet. Morgan, listed at 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds, and Gales is 5-8 and 158. Morgan hasn’t been available for interviews this week, but head coach Mark Richt felt it was good for Morgan to visit the hospital.

“I think that was really healthy for him and the family,” Richt said. “If he didn’t go I don’t think they would’ve thought one way or another. But I think it was good for him to go and talk to everybody. And understand that it’s football. No one’s mad at Marshall and he didn’t do anything that was out of line in any way, shape or form. It’s just unfortunate.”

The unsaid worry – much less important than Gales’ health, to be sure – is how it will affect Morgan going forward. Through four games this year Morgan is 4-for-6 on field goals this season and perfect on extra points. He’s currently second on Georgia’s all-time scoring list.

“I believe in Marshall and his ability to kick off, and to kick extra points and field goals,” Richt said. “He’s very solid fundamentally and I think he’ll finish strong.”