ATLANTA, GA — Georgia running back Dante Dowdell suffered serious injuries after an ATV accident in Mississippi, according to recent media reports.
Georgia Bulldogs head football coach Kirby Smart reportedly shared the news Tuesday at SEC Media Days.
The accident occurred near Dowdell's Piscayune, Mississippi home, ESPN reported. Smart did not reveal specific details of the accident.
Dowdell was hospitalized at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, CBS Sports reported. A timeline for his return to the field was unknown.
"He's injured," Smart said, per CBS Sports. "We don't know when his return will be. I don't know the specifics of it, to be honest with you. It was a recreational vehicle, and he had some serious injuries."
Dowdell will be "indefinitely sidelined," the Associated Press reported. However, Smart reportedly said Dowdell is expected to fully recover.
Dowdell transferred to Georgia after rushing for 560 yards and three scores last season for Kentucky. The tailback 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 “out of the really tough range, but as far as his complete health and coming all the way back, I don’t know what that looks like in terms of this year.”
The Georgia football season will begin on Sept. 5, when the Bulldogs will take on Tennessee State during a home game.
The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.
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