Several key players, and one coach, not at Georgia practice

ATHENS — A couple key players returned to the practice field on Thursday, but a few other key ones are still out, including tailback Sony Michel and linebacker Jordan Jenkins.

Michel is believed to be cautionary. He played through a minor groin injury last Saturday and coach Mark Richt indicated they would take it easy on Michel during the bye week.

Jenkins missed the Missouri game with a groin strain, and his status for the Florida game in nine days remains questionable.

Two other players were not seen at Thursday’s practice, a day after they also missed Wednesday: Tight end Jay Rome (ankle injury) and John Atkins (foot injury sustained two weeks ago.)

There was also a coach missing on Thursday: Kevin Sherrer, who coaches the outside linebackers and stars. Sherrer was recruiting, coach Mark Richt confirmed after practice.

Georgia did get a number of players back: Leonard Floyd was back Thursday after being absent Wednesday for unknown reasons. So was defensive lineman James DeLoach.

Fullback Christian Payne, who has missed the past four games with a fibula injury, was also practicing, but appeared to be sitting out some drills.

Receiver-kick returner Isaiah McKenzie (hamstring) was practicing again on Thursday, and working with the receivers.

Defensive lineman Chris Mayes, who didn’t against Missouri with a knee injury, practiced Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, after jumbling up the rotation reps on Wednesday, at least during the media viewing period, things were a bit more consistent on Thursday. (Again, at least during the media viewing period.) The order at quarterback was Greyson Lambert, Brice Ramsey and Faton Bauta, just as it’s been since the season started. The first tailback, with Michel still out, was Brendan Douglas, followed by Keith Marshall and A.J. Turman.