Austin Long injury: Georgia OL has surgery on hand

Georgia offensive lineman Austin Long underwent surgery on his right hand Thursday, but the junior has not been ruled out of the Bulldogs' bowl game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Jan. 1.

Long broke his hand participating in a blocking drill in practice on Wednesday. Georgia offensive coordinator Mark Bobo said the offensive lineman had been battling for a starting job in the Capital One Bowl, but that's now likely out the window due to the injury. However, Georgia coach Mark Richt said that Long still could see some time in the game. Richt also said he does not anticipate the injury will be a problem at all come spring ball.

Long has appeared in all 13 games for the Bulldogs this season. He came to Georgia in 2009, but redshirted while he was rehabbing a back injury. He was a member of the scout team in 2010 before finally seeing some action in 2011, appearing against Auburn and New Mexico State.