The Georgia Bulldogs worked all offseason long with the goal set on returning to the College Football Playoffs in 2024. Week 1 loomed large since the schedule was released with ACC rival Clemson on the docket to kick things off.
However, the Bulldogs are now set to be without transfer RB Trevor Etienne for their much-anticipated matchup with the Tigers, begging the question of how long Etienne will be out.
Trevor Etienne’s Suspension Strains Georgia’s RB Depth
Official just hours ahead of the noon kickoff between Clemson and Georgia, it was announced that Etienne had been suspended and, according to head coach Kirby Smart, was “expected to sit” for the Week 1 matchup.
The game against Clemson was set to be Etienne’s debut performance for the Bulldogs as he transferred in from Florida this offseason. Georgia fans will now have to wait for Etienne’s debut in 2024 until at least Week 2.
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Etienne’s suspension stems from an arrest that happened earlier this year. Etienne was arrested in March, and even though charges were dropped, he was fined ($852) and was ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation, 40 hours of community service, and ios subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.
He received all of that on top of a 12-month probation sentence as well.
Etienne was set to be an integral piece in Georgia’s offense for their matchup against Clemson as the team is dealing with a surprisingly thin depth chart at running back. Branson Robinson is said to be working back from injury and will start in Etienne’s place.
Roderick Robinson is unavailable as well with a turf toe injury so true freshman running back Nate Frazier will serve as the primary back up.
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It is not known at this time if Etienne will sit for more than one game, but at this rate, sitting against the Clemson defense is certainly a severe punishment in its own right.
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