Georgia Bulldogs Suffer Major ACL Injuries: Malaki Starks and Two Teammates Expected to Return in 2025
The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team is grappling with a significant injury setback as three key players, including standout safety Malaki Starks, have suffered severe ACL injuries. The trio, which also includes two other unnamed players, are expected to miss the entirety of the 2024 season and are tentatively scheduled to return in May 2025, just in time for the start of next season.
Malaki Starks, who had been a cornerstone of Georgia’s defensive backfield, was poised to play a critical role in the team’s 2024 defense. As one of the most dynamic safeties in college football, Starks had earned widespread recognition for his athleticism, playmaking ability, and leadership on the field. His injury is a significant blow to the Bulldogs’ championship aspirations as they head into the new season.
The other two players affected by the ACL injuries, while not yet publicly identified, were also set to play prominent roles within Georgia’s defensive and offensive units. The team’s coaching staff has not disclosed the specific timeline for each player’s rehabilitation but has confirmed that all three will be sidelined for the entire 2024 campaign.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Kirby Smart expressed optimism, noting that the program’s depth will allow the Bulldogs to stay competitive. “We have a strong, resilient team,” Smart said in a press conference. “We’ll adjust and make the most of the talent we have. Malaki, and the other injured players, will be back even stronger.”
Georgia, which has been one of the most dominant programs in recent years, will rely on a next-man-up mentality as they aim to defend their national championship aspirations through the 2024 season.
