Nakobe Dean, out for the last week with an ankle injury, was back at practice and appeared unlimited in his playing ability as Georgia returned to Woodruff Practice Fields on Friday.
The Bulldogs practiced in “shells,” or shoulder pads and helmets, for what was technically the final practice of preseason camp. Georgia will conduct a closed scrimmage at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, which will focus on game-day procedures for the Aug. 31 opener at Vanderbilt.
Dean (6-foot, 220) was the No. 1-ranked linebacker prospect in the country when he signed with the Bulldogs out of Horn Lake, Miss., in February.
While Dean was back in action, offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer still was not. The sophomore from Atlanta continues to be sidelined with a lower left leg injury that has left him on crutches and in a walking boot.
The most important injury update for most fans is that star running back D'Andre Swift was in a red jersey for the second consecutive practice. That signifies that he's no longer under non-contact status.
Other observations from the 6.5 minutes of observation allotted media Friday:
- The wide receiver rotation appears to be coming more sharply into focus. Senior Tyler Simmons and sophomore Matt Landers were the first two up in a two-receiver, pass skeleton drill. Next up were graduate transfer Lawrence Cager and freshman George Pickens.
- Redshirt freshman wideout Tommy Bush was wearing a No. 87 jersey, the same his offensive teammate Simmons. That's an indication that Bush is working with the scout team that will simulate Vanderbilt's offense in practice and possibly might not make the trip to Nashville.
- Freshman running back Kenny McIntosh also was wearing a scout-team jersey.
- The rotation for the tight ends during the brief viewing period was Charlie Woerner, John FitzPatrick and Eli Wolf.
- Ben Cleveland and Cade Mays continue to rotate regularly at right guard. Trey Hill remained the No. 1 center two days after coach Kirby Smart said he needed to pick it up in practice.
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