Nate Frazier’s availability for the Week 5 matchup between the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores has turned into one of the game’s biggest storylines.
The Bulldogs won their fourth consecutive game last weekend playing without their leading running back and, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Frazier will once again be a game-time decision against Vanderbilt.
Frazier’s pregame work will determine whether he returns against the Commodores or sits out the matchup.
“Georgia RB Nate Frazier will be a game-time decision again today against Vanderbilt,” Nakos wrote. “How he handles warmups will be key. No. 2 Georgia visits Alabama next week.”
Frazier missed Georgia’s 41-13 victory over Oklahoma after suffering a rib injury during the Bulldogs’ 45-17 win at Arkansas. He briefly exited that game in the third quarter, returned, and later left for the remainder of the contest.
The junior dressed against Oklahoma but did not participate in warmups and ultimately sat out. Frazier’s status has followed a similar pattern this week, with Georgia listing him as questionable on its SEC availability reports.
Frazier has recorded 202 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 24 carries through three games this season. He leads Georgia’s running backs in rushing yards and is tied with Chauncey Bowens for the team lead among running backs with five rushing touchdowns.
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Coach Kirby Smart indicated two weeks ago that Frazier’s injury did not initially appear severe after the Arkansas game, although the rusher already missed one matchup.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” Smart said. “It’s going to be day-to-day. Expect him to be able to play.”
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No. 2 Georgia hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET before visiting Alabama next week.
