Making his first career start, Jacob Eason could have another weapon at his disposal.
As the speculation began to grow throughout the past week, it’s been confirmed that Sony Michel has been cleared by the Georgia medical staff for a full return from a July ATV incident that resulted in a fractured forearm. While he’s been cleared, there’s no guarantee that he’ll make his 2016 debut in today’s game against Nicholls State even as the program is “very optimistic” he’ll return.UGA coaches and trainers ‘very optimistic’ RB Sony Michel to return vs. Nicholls from broken forearm, reports SEC Network’s Olivia Harlan.
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) September 10, 2016
Throughout summer camp, Michel has been forced to wear a black non-contact jersey. He exchanged that for a red one the past two days that allowed him to participate fully in practice. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote Saturday morning that "[n]ow it’s just a matter of how comfortable the coaches are using him, and if so how much.”
Last season, Michel led the team with 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also third on the team with 26 receptions.
Michael had replaced Nick Chubb, who sustained a torn ACL midway through the 2015 season. Chubb returned in the season-opening win over North Carolina, rushing for 222 yards and a pair of touchdowns.