Mark Richt is optimistic about Todd Gurley's reinstatement prospects

Georgia coach Mark Richt is being positive when it comes to the chances of suspended RB Todd Gurley being reinstated by the NCAA.

"I'm optimistic," Richt said Wednesday via UGASports.com. "I think that we as an institution and Todd as an athlete did everything within the protocol of the governing body, the NCAA. So, hopefully all will end well and hopefully sooner rather than later."

Gurley was suspended on October 9 for allegedly taking money for signing autographs. Georgia applied for Gurley's reinstatement this week in anticipation that he'll be ready for the Bulldogs' next game against Florida. He's missed games against Missouri and Arkansas.

For Gurley to be available for the Florida game, the NCAA doesn't have to make a decision this week. Georgia is off on Saturday.

"The first week, the Thursday prior to the Missouri game is when the news came out," Richt said about the suspension. "I gave Todd the choice whether he would be at practice or not. At first he wanted to be at practice, wanted to be with his teammates, but after he thought it through he thought he might possibly be a distraction to the team," Richt said. "He didn't want to be that, and he wanted the coaches, at least for one practice to do whatever we needed to do to get the guys ready to go, so to speak. He ended up not going to practice on that week, but the next week he was there."

Freshman RB Nick Chubb has filled in admirably as Gurley's replacement. Chubb has been called into duty not only because of Gurley's absence but also an injury to RB Keith Marshall. While Richt is optimistic about Gurley returning, he isn't about Marshall being on the field against Florida. Marshall returned to practice this week but isn't apparently close to playing after a leg injury.

"I'm not really optimistic right now from what I've seen," Richt said. "I'm not saying that he couldn't play, but right now I wouldn't say Keith is lighting it up right now. He's still kind of feeling his way."

Richt also said he hopes RB Sony Michel will practice next week after a shoulder injury and that J.J. Green has moved back to safety in anticipating of Gurley's return. Green had been taking reps at running back, a position he played in 2013.

For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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