Georgia football running back Branson Robinson, who missed last season after sustaining an injury last August, was given the green light to practice without limitation as the Bulldog began preseason practices Thursday.

“We will have some load management with him,” coach Kirby Smart said.

Robinson’s availability is good news considering that coaches were high on the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Canton, Miss., native when he sustained a ruptured patella tendon on Aug. 22 of last year.

“It’s not a shock to me that he’s able to start going without limitations,” Smart said, “but the load management is critical because you can’t take someone who hasn’t done everything and just throw them into everything. We’ve got to be smart about that. It’s certainly promising.”

The redshirt sophomore rushed for 330 yards and three touchdown on 68 carries in 2022.

“I remember thinking, golly, this guy was getting ready to have a great season, great camp and then he has to go back,” Smart said. “You forget the blitz pickups, you forget all the things he missed out on that he didn’t get a chance to do. Now, I know he’s looking forward to it and we’re excited to get him out there.”

Georgia's top running back is Florida transfer Trevor Etienne but his availability for the first game is uncertain after an arrest for DUI (since dismissed) and reckless driving (plead no contest).

Smart also updated several other injuries ahead of the first practice:

Defensive lineman Jordan Hall underwent surgery for a tibia stress fracture, putting him in the questionable category for the Aug. 31 opener against Clemson.

“He’ll be back hopefully by the first game,” Smart said. “He will be close.”

Elsewhere on the defensive line, Warren Brinson is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury Smart said.

“He’ll be in and out,” Smart said. “It’s one he had in the spring, but it’s not long. We injected it and he should be back shortly.”

Defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (foot) is not 100 percent “but he’s close,” Smart said.

Inside linebacker Smael Mondon will be limited at the start of practice after missing the spring following foot surgery.

“He’s almost back,” Smart said.

Three reserves are also dealing with injures: wide receiver Cole Speer (mid-foot sprain), defensive back Chris Peal (labrum) and offensive lineman Marcus Harrison (stress reaction on foot).

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Branson Robinson cleared to practice as Georgia football opens preseason