University of Georgia

After knee injury, Georgia WR Pickens ready for Orange Bowl

George Pickens Georgia wide receiver George Pickens (1) during the Bulldogs' game against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (Photo by Tony Walsh) (Tony Walsh/Tony Walsh/UGAAA)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Georgia wide receiver George Pickens still has a chance to be a major contributor for the Bulldogs this season.

The junior who was expected to be third-ranked Georgia’s go-to receiver before he tore the ACL in his right knee during spring practice will be available Friday for the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl against No. 2 Michigan.

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Pickens did not travel with the team to Miami on Sunday, instead arriving Monday. Georgia would not say why Pickens and quarterback JT Daniels arrived a day late, but both are expected to be ready to play.

“When I think back to the spring when he injured his knee and thinking, wow, what a disappointment for him and his development and for us,” Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken said Tuesday. “But he has done a fantastic job of trying to get back.

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Pickens was able to play against Georgia Tech in the regular-season finally and Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game. He made three catches, two against the Tide.

The 6-foot-3, 200 pounder from Hoover, Alabama, has maybe the highest ceiling of any Georgia wideout and he’s been especially good in bowl games.

Last year, he had seven catches for 135 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl. He ended his freshman season with a career-high 12 catches for 175 yards in Georgia’s Sugar Bowl victory against Baylor.

It might a stretch to think Pickens can be that type of an impact player against Michigan, but for a team that has relied heavily on inexperienced receivers all season any contribution would be welcome.

“He’s been a great addition to this team, him being able to come back from that injury has been tremendous for not only for himself, but for the team, as well, and just him being out there brings a different atmosphere to the game,” fellow receiver Kearis Jackson said.

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