Georgia RB Dante Dowdell suffers serious injuries in ATV accident; Kirby Smart unsure of return timeline - CBS Sports

What the report says

CBS Sports reported that Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is recovering from serious injuries after a recent ATV accident. Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart addressed the situation Tuesday at SEC Media Days, saying Dowdell was hurt in a recreational vehicle accident and that the program does not yet know when he might return to football activities.

According to CBS Sports, Dowdell is receiving care at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a facility known for treating brain and spinal cord injuries. Smart said the accident happened while Dowdell was visiting home in Picayune, Mississippi, and indicated that while the player is beyond the most critical stage, his longer-term recovery and availability for the 2026 season remain unclear.

Dowdell joined Georgia this offseason after transferring from Kentucky. CBS Sports noted that the 6-foot-2, 227-pound back had 112 rushing attempts for 560 yards and three touchdowns last season, finishing as Kentucky’s second-leading rusher. He had been expected to compete for a significant role in Georgia’s backfield behind returning starter Nate Frazier.

The injury is also a roster concern for Georgia because Dowdell was an important offseason addition after the Bulldogs lost Roderick Robinson to the transfer portal and Josh McCray after his eligibility ended. CBS Sports reported that Dowdell’s college path has included Oregon, Nebraska, Kentucky and now Georgia. Smart said the team is supporting Dowdell and his family, with players visiting him during his treatment.