TAMPA, Fla. (AP) 鈥� Georgia running back was injured in a recent off-campus accident, and Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart told reporters Tuesday at SEC media days that he will be indefinitely sidelined.
Smart didn鈥檛 offer specifics. ESPN reported that Dowdell was involved in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident. The outlet confirmed with Smart that Dowdell is receiving care at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a medical facility specializing in treatment and rehabilitation for spinal cord and brain injuries.
鈥淭he Dante Dowdell situation is tough,鈥� Smart told reporters. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know when he鈥檒l be back. He had an off-campus accident back home during our break, and we鈥檙e praying for him and his family. We expect a full recovery, but the outlook right now is we鈥檙e waiting to see.鈥�
Dowdell transferred to Georgia after rushing for 560 yards and three scores last season for Kentucky. The tailback from Picayune, Mississippi, was slated to compete for carries behind starter Nate Frazier. Dowdell spent the 2024 season with Nebraska and the ’23 season at Oregon.
Smart told ESPN that Dowdell was 鈥渙ut of the really tough range, but as far as his complete health and coming all the way back, I don鈥檛 know what that looks like in terms of this year.鈥�
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