Seeking more explosiveness on offense, the Georgia Bulldogs will have to find a way to produce it without their most explosive playmaker.

George Pickens, a preseason All-SEC wideout from Hoover, Ala., did not make the trip to Lexington, Ky., for the No. 5 Bulldogs' game Saturday against Kentucky. Georgia has said only that the 6-foot-3, 200-pound sophomore has an upper-body injury and indications are it involves bruising, possibly of the shoulder.

Pickens is Georgia’s second-leading pass-catcher this season, with 13 receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Senior Demetris Robertson, who will be wearing the number 80 for the second consecutive week, is the most likely player to absorb Pickens' snaps.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart downplayed Pickens' injury earlier this week after it was learned that he was not participating in contact work and wearing a black jersey at practices.

“George should be fine," Smart said Wednesday. "He’s in and out based on being dinged up a couple of times. But we have a lot of guys that way. But he practiced (Tuesday).”

Sophomore running back and kick returner Kenny McIntosh (knee) also didn’t make the trip.

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Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel shake hands after Georgia beat Tennessee during overtime in an NCAA football game at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. Georgia won 44-41 over Tennessee in overtime.

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