Is Trevor Etienne playing today vs. Tennessee Tech? Georgia RB's status explored ahead of Week 2

Trevor Etienne has been in the spotlight for the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. The running back missed Georgia's season opener against No. 25 Clemson. Now, fans are curious to learn whether Etienne will feature against Tennessee Tech in Week 2 on Saturday.

Is Trevor Etienne playing vs. Tennessee Tech in Week 2?

Georgia running back Trevor Etienne - Source: Getty

As per a report from 247Sports, Etienne is questionable to face Tennessee Tech on Saturday. The running back is reportedly not dealing with an injury. However, Georgia coach Kirby Smart will decide if Etienne will play in Week 2.

A to Z Sports reports that their sources say Etienne will play against Tennessee Tech.

Multiple sources are now stating that Etienne is expected to play.

On Tuesday, Smart was asked whether Etienne will be available to feature against Tennessee Tech. However, the two-time national championship-winning coach remained coy in his response.

"Again, we don't talk about it," Smart said. "It's not something I share or talk about. I respect your question."

Smart was then asked whether Etienne was being left out due to gamesmanship.

"No, it's not gamesmanship at all for me," Smart responded. "It's a kid. It's a kid and his family. It's respecting. When recruits come in my room, they say we respect the way you handle things because a kid takes enough drug-through-the-mud headlines.

"Everybody puts it out there and nobody knows if it's wrong or it gets dropped or any of that. I want to defend the kid. To discuss it again and say it again then it's another whole headline out there."

What happened to Trevor Etienne?

Etienne was suspended for Georgia's season opener against Clemson following his arrest in March concerning charges that included DUI. The running back transferred to Georgia from Florida in the offseason.

In his two years at Florida, Etienne rushed for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2022.

When will Trevor Etienne return?

As things stand, there is no timeline on when Etienne will return to action for Georgia. Since the player is not injured, the duration of his suspension will be controlled by coach Smart.

The Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech Week 2 game will kick off at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday from Sanford Stadium in Athens.