Kirby Smart on Georgia football's Kyron Jones reduced role in secondary

When Georgia football star safety KJ Bolden was out for the Auburn game, the Bulldogs turned to Ja'Marley Riddle to step up in his place.

That left some to wonder why Kyron Jones who started the first four games at the safety spot opposite Bolden didn't get snaps in the secondary in the 27-24 loss.

Part of the reason, coach Kirby Smart indicated Wednesday, is Jones is still dealing with a foot injury that kept him out the last eight games of the 2025 season. The Charlotte native is in his fourth season with Georgia .

"He's been dealing with an injury for over a year now," Smart said. "He's dealing with a tough lower leg extremity that's bothered him some and it's really hard to manage for him. He's not able to have the volume that he probably needs. He's got to do things on banked reps and he's a guy that's been in our program a long time. He's a really tough, hard-nosed player that works his tail off every day. He's been helping us more on special teams."

Jones, who was replaced by Rasean Dinkins in Week 5, did not play any defensive snaps against Auburn after logging four against Alabama and one against Vanderbilt, according to Pro Football Focus. He has played 65 total this season with 5 tackles.

Bolden's status for Saturday's game against Florida with a lower leg injury is uncertain.

The first SEC availability report will be released Wednesday night.

Riddle played 75 snaps and Zion Branch 5 against Auburn.

"Ja'Marley's improving," Smart said. "He plays more strong safety than anything else. He's very intelligent. He has good instincts, and he communicates really well. …He improves every day in our system, understanding how to do things. He's got good competition around him, including Dink, including Kyron, including Zion, all those guys, Todd (Robinson). They've all improved and continue to get better."

Smart said that outside linebacker Amaris Williams, the Auburn transfer who sustained a torn ACL in the spring, is doing limited work in practice.

"He's not in any shape to play or anything right now," Smart said.

Smart said he did not know now if Williams could possibly return to play this season.