Smart: Fromm leg ‘fine’ for Tigers

But injured linemen Gaillard, Mays ‘day to day,’ coach says.

ATHENS — Quarterback Jake Fromm was seen practicing Monday and Tuesday with a heavy wrap on his right leg, the result of an injury sustained in Georgia’s SEC victory over Kentucky.

On Tuesday, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said the sophomore is fine and will be ready to go Saturday against Auburn.

“I think he got a bruise (and) got it one of those plays late in the half, maybe,” Smart said. “He’s fine. He took all his reps and has a wrap on it.”

When asked about center Lamont Gaillard (knee) and guard Cade Mays (shoulder), Smart said the two offensive linemen — who were both seen working on the side Tuesday — were “day to day.”

Guard Ben Cleveland, who suffered a broken left fibula Sept. 22 against Missouri, was working with the second team Tuesday and could well be back on the field against Auburn.

Mel and Maryland: It was reported Tuesday that beleaguered Maryland could be interested in Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker as a candidate for its head coaching position. Tucker has college and NFL experience and was a top candidate last year for the Tennessee job, which went to former Bulldogs defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

Smart, who has had some experience of his own having his name floated for various job openings when at Alabama, indicated he’s not occupying himself with the situation concerning the Terrapins or their head coaching job.

“We don’t deal with it,” he said. “Mel is one of the most professional people I’ve ever met. He’s worried about these guys on this team. He’s worried about coaching his tail off for them and leading the defensive unit and making calls.

“I’ve been there and done that, and I know what it’s like to have your name mentioned in a lot of jobs. I know Mel’s focus is on getting our guys ready to play.”

Back in black? There always seems to be an interest in the Bulldogs wearing black jerseys, and given that Georgia’s first “Blackout” came a dozen years ago against Auburn, there are again comments from fans about donning black, even though history had exhibited the team has had mixed success when doing so.

And as far as Smart is concerned — well, he’s not concerned at all.

When asked to confirm if the Bulldogs would be wearing their customary red jerseys Saturday, Smart on Tuesday said, “I guess? I’m not really concerned with it. I’ll let you guys get the hits and likes on that. I’m just getting the team ready to play.”

Georgia has worn black once during Smart’s tenure — a 35-21 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette on Nov. 19, 2016 — but the Bulldogs coach doesn’t think extra motivation is necessary for facing the War Eagles.

“We did it a couple of years ago. I think it was against a to-buy team or something, for energy and enthusiasm,” Smart said. “I don’t think we need energy and enthusiasm for Auburn. If we can’t get up for Auburn, then we’ve got some other problems.”