The Georgia Bulldogs went inside to beat the heat for at least part of the day Thursday, and they welcomed back D'Andre Swift in the process.

Actually, the star running back was never missing. He just wasn't in full-contact status the last time he'd been on the field with the Bulldogs. But 24 hours after donning the dreaded black jersey, which signifies not cleared for contact, Swift was back in the familiar red jersey of Georgia's offense for the two-hour workout.

Still absent, however, were linebacker Nakobe Dean and offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer. Both players have been out with lower-leg injuries. Coach Kirby Smart confirmed earlier this week that Dean, a 5-star freshman out of Horn Lake, Miss., is sidelined with an ankle sprain. Salyer, a sophomore who was running second team at right tackle, has been on crutches and wearing a walking boot on his left foot before and after practices the past three days.

Otherwise, the Bulldogs are looking fairly healthy entering a fourth week of preseason practice. After two days outside in full pads, they moved inside the well-cooled Payne Indoor Athletic Center for most of Thursday's two-hour practice. The offensive line moved outside toward the end of the workout.

Georgia will conduct one more practice on Friday before conducting a dress-rehearsal scrimmage Saturday. The will mark one week before the season opener against Vanderbilt (SEC Network, 7:30 p.m.).

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia running back Nate Frazier reacts after a run for a 22-yard gain during the first half against Georgia Tech in their NCAA game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. Georgia won 16-9. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo