Todd Gurley practiced with his teammates for the first time yesterday since his four-game suspension for accepting $3,000 for autographed memorabilia and other items over a two-year period ended. Gurley is preparing to start against Auburn (No. 9) this Saturday, Yahoo Sports reported.
The junior rusher, largely considered to be the best running back in the nation, was listed as the No. 1 back on Georgia's updated depth chart released Monday, putting to bed any doubts about his status with the team.
Gurley was a Heisman hopeful before his suspension gave rise to backup Nick Chubb's emergence as another dangerous weapon for this No. 16 Bulldogs team. Chubbs rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown in last week's 63-31 win over Kentucky.
Chubbs has rushed for at least 143 yards in four consecutive games. Despite ranking third in the SEC in rushing, Chubbs knows the starting duties belong to Gurley once again.
''I know I haven't taken his spot,'' Chubbs said. ''I am looking forward to Todd getting back on the field and playing with him. I miss him out there.''
Gurley was the SEC's leading rusher before his suspension. He opened the season with 773 yards and eight touchdowns on 94 attempts (8.2 yards per carry). His most recent game was Oct. 4 against Vanderbilt.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said he expects to give several backs some work in Saturday's matchup against the Tigers.
''I wouldn't be surprised to see more than just Nick and Todd in the ballgame at that running back position,'' Richt said. ''Early in the year we did a good job of giving guys reps and hopefully we can continue to do that.''
