UGA’s Rice doubtful, Mays questionable to return against Georgia Tech

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart directs inside linebacker Monty Rice (32) against Middle Tennessee State University Saturday, Sep., 15, 2018, in Stanford Stadium in Athens.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart directs inside linebacker Monty Rice (32) against Middle Tennessee State University Saturday, Sep., 15, 2018, in Stanford Stadium in Athens.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart says linebacker Monty Rice is doubtful and offensive lineman Cade Mays is questionable to return against Georgia Tech (4 p.m., SEC Network; News 95.5 and AM-750 WSB).

“Monty is probably not going to be available this week,” Smart said. “He's doubtful to be able to play. [...] And Cade (Mays), we're not sure if he'll be available this week or not. He's not going to practice today. But we hope to get him back soon as soon as he gets cleared.”

Rice suffered an injury during pre-game warmups on Saturday and Mays continues to fight a shoulder injury.

Offensive lineman Ben Cleveland continues to make strides to a full return.

“I mean, Ben's cleared to play and he's just getting over a ankle injury,” Smart said. “And that coupled with his leg like we talked about after the game the other night, he's just fighting back. We hope he'll be back this week.”

Cleveland fractured his left fibula during the Missouri game in September and suffered from a sprained ankle at the end of the Auburn game.