One key Georgia starter returns, another still out

ATHENS — Starting center Brandon Kublanow was back at Georgia’s practice on Tuesday, three days after spraining his ankle against Alabama.

Kublanow, who missed Monday’s practice, was wearing a regular white jersey. It’s an indication that Kublanow is at least on track to play Saturday, though he will have to show he’s close to 100 percent.

Hunter Long, a fifth-year senior, played in Kublanow’s place after the injury on Saturday, and the coaches feel Long would be a decent replacement if Kublanow can’t be at his best.

After practice offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Kublanow “looked good” and hoped he could play.

“A game like this, it’s gonna be hard to keep him from playing,” Schottenheimer said.

Meanwhile, receiver Isaiah McKenzie was again absent from practice. He hurt his hamstring in Saturday’s game and has been categorized as questionable by coach Mark Richt.

But Georgia is preparing for McKenzie not to be available, especially on special teams. He’s not on the kick or punt return depth chart this week, and Richt said the team is getting receiver Reggie Davis and Terry Godwin ready for punt returns (McKenzie wasn’t on kickoff return against Alabama). Safety Dominick Sanders is also getting a look just in case.

Reggie Wilkerson, a reserve defensive back, was practicing in a green non-contact jersey. So was reserve receiver Jayson Stanley. Their injuries were unclear.