Final Georgia injury update is great news for the Dawgs vs TCU

The latest Georgia injury update on tight end Darnell Washington sounds encouraging for the offense as they get ready to take on TCU.

Georgia reportedly expects to have TE Darnell Washington at least partially available to play in the National Championship Game against TCU.

The question that still needs to be answered is how much playing time that actually means and how effective the tight end can be when he’s on the field.

Washington injured his ankle against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl playoff semifinal. Pete Thamel reported on his status going into the title game.

Darnell Washington injury update: Georgia TE will play

Technically, Washington is a game-time decision. But it sounds like a decision on his involvement has already been made.

“I’ve been told the Georgia staff plans on him to play and they’ll be intentional about how they use him tonight,” Thamel said.

Ideally, the Bulldogs would take the majority of their snaps in 12 personnel, i.e. with one running back and two tight ends in the formation. Brock Bowers usually occupies one of those tight end spots with Washington in the other.

Georgia is dangerous in that personnel because it favors the rushing attack but the offense can also beat defenses with Bowers and Washington as passing game threats if they choose to air it out.

Washington has 27 catches for 426 yards and two touchdowns this season. He was a second-team AP All-SEC selection behind his teammate Bowers, who took the first team slot.

Without Washington, the tight end receiving threat would be lessened while his run blocking would also be sorely missed.

Limited snaps from Washington should be better than no snaps from Washington.