While the investigation into Georgia’s Todd Gurley continues, Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt said Sunday that the star running back would practice with the team this week.
“Todd’s still on our team, yes,” Richt said per the Ledger-Enquirer.
Beyond that, Richt did not have any update about Gurley’s indefinite suspension for allegedly being compensated for signing autographs, a violation of NCAA rules. The team will move forward under the assumption that Gurley will not see the field again for the foreseeable future.
“I think we have to. We’ll start practicing. But whether Todd was there or not, we would do the same things,” Richt said.
The suspension for Gurley, who was considered a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, was announced last Thursday and multiple outlets reported that Gurley accepted money from at least one memorabilia dealer in exchange for autographed items.
“You know what I’d like to do, I’d like to talk about this next game, or we might have to end this (teleconference),” Richt said. “It’s not all about this (Gurley) stuff. I do not know anything, so my answer is I don’t know.”
Without Gurley, the Bulldogs did just fine in a dominant 34-0 road win at Missouri over the weekend with freshman Nick Chubb starting at running back. The 5-foot-10, 228-pound Chubb carried 38 times for 143 yards and a score.
Moving forward, Richt said some added depth could be on the way so Chubb doesn’t have to shoulder such a heavy load.
Junior Keith Marshall has been out the last three games with leg and ankle injuries, but he could return Saturday at Arkansas. Marshall missed most of last season with a torn ACL after racking up 759 yards and eight scores as a freshman in 2012.
“Just watching him run straight ahead last week he looked really good,” Richt said. “But I didn’t see him try to change directions or anything like that, no quick cutting motions or anything like that.”
If he can’t return this weekend, Richt said Marshall, along with freshman speedster Sony Michel (23 rushes, 223 yards, 3 TD) could be in line to return against Florida on November 1 following a bye week.
Until then, Chubb will lead the way with sophomore Brendan Douglas , who carried 13 times for 65 yards and a touchdown against Mizzou, providing depth.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - With Todd Gurley situation unresolved, Georgia coach Mark Richt hopes RB Keith Marshall can return this week
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