The Georgia Bulldogs are being careful with projected starting center Jared Wilson. Wilson has been limited in recent preseason practices due to an injury.

At the very least, it is concerning that Wilson is not getting critical reps ahead of the Bulldogs season opener against Clemson on Aug. 31. Georgia lost last season's starting center, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, to the 2024 NFL draft.

Center is a key position for organizing the offense, so Georgia would not be in an ideal scenario if Wilson has to miss any game action.

"Jared (Wilson) has missed some things but he’s gotten to do as much as possible. That’s a very important position in the offensive unit," noted Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. "They communicate, really to everybody, what goes on up front and Jared is still able to do that in a large majority of what we’re doing. We’re just being careful with Jared but it also gives guys more opportunities to work at center and make those calls.”

Georgia's back-up center is expected to be Drew Bobo (Mike Bobo's son). Another option at center is Tate Ratledge, who is expected to start at right guard for UGA. If Ratledge moves to center, then Georgia could insert Micah Morris into the starting line up.

Centers are critical for the offense's communication in way that is different from other positions along the offensive line. In Wilson's absence, Drew Bobo and Ratledge are getting reps to work on playing at center.

This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: Georgia football treading lightly with injury to key offensive lineman