ATHENS, Ga. - A protective collar around his neck should be the only reminder of his neck injury when Georgia tailback Musa Smith plays Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said Wednesday Smith is "very probable'' for the 12:30 p.m. game and "is pretty much symptom free'' after suffering a jammed neck in last week's win over Tennessee.
Georgia's medical staff has taken extra precautions, including consultations with outside specialists, because Smith momentarily felt numbers in his arms after his head snapped back during a run against Tennessee.
Though Smith's symptoms of numbness lasted only about five seconds, Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson and his staff were very guarded before releasing word Wednesday that the tests revealed no significant injury.
Said Richt: "(Smith) really was symptom-free from about five seconds after it happened. ... We were just being cautious, being careful.''
Said Smith Wednesday: "I feel good. ... I'll be playing Saturday.''
Smith was not allowed to participate in contact drills Wednesday, but wearing a green non-contact jersey he went through other parts of the practice.
Richt said the junior tailback will probably wear a protective collar around his neck to prevent his head from snapping back in the way it did in the Tennessee game.
Richt also said backup quarterback D.J. Shockley is listed as probable for the game after a strong practice Wednesday.