UGA OL Greg Pyke Undergoes Appendix Surgery



UGA offensive lineman Greg Pyke underwent appendix surgery after suffering from appendicitis.


Carrying over Georgia’s offensive line struggles from the 2015 season, the Bulldogs have lost yet another component as the season opener inches closer … lineman Greg Pyke’s appendix. Pyke, a fifth year senior, had an appendectomy on Monday, according to a report from Online Athens.

A full recovery is expected in time for the season opener against North Carolina. Pyke, an All-SEC first team member in 2015, is a crucial aspect of UGA’s offensive line and was their Most Improved Player of the Year in 2014, when he started 13 out of 13 games. Native to the guard position, Pyke had spent time this offseason practicing at tackle.

The veteran player’s full recovery is a necessity for a team in need of continuity on offense. Georgia’s offense is currently abound with question marks – from the status of Nick Chubb’s knee to the uneven timetable for Sony Michel, who broke his arm this offseason. Head coach Kirby Smart hopes to see Chubb at 100% in the season opener but won’t know until scrimmages test the back’s ability to take on tacklers, while Michel is currently expected to return against Missouri on September 17.

On top of that, true freshman Jacob Eason may be running the Bulldog offense this year. Eason was the nation’s No. 2-ranked quarterback for the incoming class, and a baptism by fire is viewed by many as a better option than plugging in Greyson Lambert for another year.

With so much youth and uncertainty under center and in the backfield, Pyke’s recovery and a cohesive line are necessary adhesives to hold this unpredictable offense together. 

The Bulldogs kick off the 2016 season against North Carolina on September 3. 

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