{
  "id": 14286702,
  "title": "Kirby Smart surprised RB Nate Frazier couldn't play at Alabama",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/kirby-smart-surprised-rb-nate-frazier-couldnt-play-at-alabama",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T20:25:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kirby-smart-surprised-rb-nate-202517841.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Georgia's Georgia Bulldogs faced a challenging situation on Saturday when they had to play the Alabama Crimson Tide without their top three running backs. Georgia's NFL Draft prospect, Nate Frazier, was unable to play due to a ribs injury sustained against Arkansas. Frazier had missed the previous three Georgia games, leading to expectations that he would start against Alabama. However, when asked about Frazier's absence, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart admitted that the team was caught off guard by his decision not to play.\n\nThe absence of Frazier, the Georgia All-SEC star, created significant problems for the Bulldogs' running game. With Bowens out after an injury against Vanderbilt and Dowdell unlikely to return this season due to an offseason ATV accident, Georgia's running back position is now severely thin. As a result, they had to rely on other backs, such as Chauncey Bowens and Dante Dowdell, who were already at a disadvantage.\n\nDespite the challenges, Georgia's running back depth remained strong. Junior running back Dwight Phillips Jr. stepped up to fill the void left by Frazier and other injured backs. Phillips Jr. had a standout performance against Alabama, helped by his offensive line and quarterback Gunner Stockton. His impressive play came as a surprise to Smart, who had expected Frazier to be ready for the Crimson Tide game. As the season progresses, it remains uncertain whether Phillips Jr. will be able to continue his impressive play against Auburn, especially with the possibility that other backs may not return in time.",
  "summary": "Georgia is down three top running backs after injuries to Nate Frazier and others. Who will step up against Auburn football",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Unhappy Kirby Smart responds to Georgia football locker room speeches going viral",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/unhappy-kirby-smart-responds-to-georgia-football-locker-room-speeches",
        "published": "2026-10-13T00:00:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}