ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton went down after taking a hit on a designed carry on the first play of Georgia's 27-24 loss to the Auburn Tigers. Stockton left for several plays before returning to action. Stockton was forced to be checked for a concussion by the medical staff.
Following Georgia's loss, coach Kirby Smart provided an injury update on Stockton.
“Well, they (Georgia's training staff) checked him out and said he was good," Smart said. "He had a stinger in his shoulder, which, you know, numbs your shoulder, but that happens a lot in football and you come back from that. But they were checking him for you know, concussion and things. They checked him out and brought him back in and said he was cleared.”
Stockton had his worst performance of the season against Auburn. He threw a pair of interceptions and had a critical fumble late in Georgia's loss, which set up Auburn's game-winning drive when Georgia was hoping to go on its own game-winning drive.
“I don't think so," Smart said on if Stockton's injury impacted his performance. "He's had that before.”
Stockton finished the Auburn game completing 22 of 34 passes for 272 passing yards. He threw two touchdowns and two interceptions. He ran the ball nine times for 26 yards. To Stockton's credit, he led Georgia on a 94-yard touchdown drive to tie the game with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Fortunately for Georgia, the Bulldogs have a bye week to regroup after a tough loss. It is clear that Stockton is going to have to play better if Georgia is going to have a successful season.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Threads for more Georgia football coverage!
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirby Smart explains why Gunner Stockton left the Auburn game