Smart provides updates for Hardman, offensive line

Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardam makes a long punt return setting up a touchdown drive against Kentucky during the first quarter in a NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Lexington.  Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardam makes a long punt return setting up a touchdown drive against Kentucky during the first quarter in a NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, in Lexington. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman should be back at practice Monday after suffering an ankle injury against Kentucky on Saturday, according to coach Kirby Smart.

Smart also said on Monday that center Lamont Gaillard (hyper-extended knee) will be limited in practice Monday and guard Ben Cleveland (leg) is close to returning.

“Ben continues to progress,” Smart said. “Thought he could have played if he had to in the last game. So we hope he continues to get better.”

Smart also said he expected offensive lineman Cade Mays, who Smart said suffered a “stinger” against Kentucky, to be limited in practice and kept out of contact situations Monday.

“He's probably going to be limited today and we don't know how much further it will go, but we expect to get him back,” Smart said. “And I know he's a tough kid and he'll push through it. ... But, again, he's tough, competitive, a lot like the rest of our freshman class.”

Georgia hosts Auburn at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.