Georgia Linebacker CJ Allen Listed Week-to-Week After Texas Win

Georgia football extended its 2025 season success with a dominant performance over the Texas Longhorns on Saturday. While Texas remained competitive for much of the game, the Bulldogs put the contest away with a decisive 21-0 fourth-quarter surge, demonstrating why they remain one of the nation’s elite programs.

The game was not without drama, as star linebacker CJ Allen exited with a leg injury and did not return, raising concerns about his availability as Georgia enters the final stretch of the season. Allen has been a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense and a key leader on the field.

On Monday, head coach Kirby Smart provided an update on Allen’s status. According to Brandon Zimmerman of the SEC Network, Allen is listed as week-to-week, giving the team flexibility before their next game and indicating a cautious approach to his recovery.

With the playoffs looming and the SEC Championship still a possibility, the health of Allen will be critical for Georgia’s defensive stability. Fortunately, the Bulldogs have a lighter opponent in Charlotte this weekend, which could allow Allen additional time to rest and recover.

1. CJ Allen’s Impact on the Defense

CJ Allen has been one of Georgia’s most impactful defensive players in 2025, anchoring a unit that has dominated opponents throughout the season. His ability to read plays, make tackles, and provide leadership on and off the field has been central to the Bulldogs’ success. The timing of Allen’s injury comes as Georgia prepares for a crucial stretch of games leading into the postseason. While missing one game against Charlotte may not derail the team, losing him for an extended period would be a significant blow to the Bulldogs’ defensive identity. Allen’s physicality and field awareness are hard to replace, and backups will need to step up if he is sidelined. Smart’s week-to-week designation signals the program is being cautious, prioritizing long-term health over immediate return. Despite his absence for portions of the Texas game, Georgia’s defense still performed at a high level, holding the Longhorns to just 10 points and under 20 rushing yards, a testament to the depth of the Bulldogs’ roster.

2. Georgia’s Playoff Positioning

With the win over Texas, Georgia improves to 9-1 on the 2025 season, firmly reestablishing itself in the playoff conversation after a previous loss to Alabama. The Bulldogs have positioned themselves as a team to watch, and barring setbacks, a postseason berth appears likely. The immediate focus will be Saturday’s matchup against Charlotte at 12:45 PM ET. This game provides an opportunity to fine-tune the roster and give players like Allen the chance to rest without compromising team performance. Looking ahead, Georgia’s path to the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff will hinge on both health and execution. While the team is deep and talented, the contributions of elite players like Allen remain pivotal in high-stakes matchups. Smart and his staff will need to monitor Allen closely and manage his workload, ensuring he is available for the games that carry the most weight in December.

3. Preparing for Charlotte and Beyond

Georgia enters this weekend’s matchup with a clear advantage on paper. Charlotte represents a chance to work on fundamentals, test depth players, and keep the team sharp ahead of tougher opponents in the coming weeks. Smart’s strategy will likely involve limiting Allen’s snaps if necessary, while still relying on the linebacker’s leadership in key situations. The Bulldogs can afford this flexibility thanks to their defensive depth and balanced roster. Saturday’s game will also provide an opportunity to maintain momentum, reinforce team cohesion, and address any remaining areas of concern before the postseason. Smart’s experience ensures the team approaches each contest with a long-term view toward championships. By managing health, maintaining discipline, and executing effectively, Georgia aims to enter the postseason both battle-tested and at full strength.