Georgia makes final decision on status of KJ Bolden for Auburn contest

Georgia will be without one of its best and most important defenders when it takes on Auburn on Saturday.

Safety KJ Bolden was officially ruled out for the game against the rival Tigers, per the SEC availability report.

Georgia football injury report

• Defensive back Tyriq Green (ankle) — out
• Outside linebacker Amaris Williams (knee) — out
• Wide receiver Thomas Blackshear (shoulder) — out
• Wide receiver Isiah Canion (right leg) — out
• Running back Chauncey Bowens (lower leg) — out
• Safety KJ Bolden (right leg) — out

Bolden has been on the availability report all week, first popping up as questionable on Wednesday. His status was downgraded to doubtful on Thursday.

The Georgia safety led the Bulldogs in snaps played against Alabama this past week. Bolden recorded a key sack on Georgia’s final defensive play in the 20-17 win.

“I’d say big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games,” cornerback Demello Jones said of Bolden this week.

Following that play, Bolden was seen receiving medical attention on the sideline. He had a white sleeve on his right leg during the game. In the celebrations following the win, Bolden had a brace over his calf.

Through Georgia’s first six games, Bolden has 22 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, two pass breakups and an interception. He has started every game for the Bulldogs so far.

With Bolden out, Georgia could play Kyron Jones and Rasean Dinkins at safety, which would allow them to keep Khalil Barnes at the star position. All three have played significant snaps for the Bulldogs this season.