ATHENS – Abry Jones’ career at Georgia is over because of his ankle injury, head coach Mark Richt revealed on his radio show Monday night.

There was some hope that Jones, the defensive end from Warner-Robins, could return for the postseason. But Richt, who had declined to say much about Jones recently, confirmed the worst-case scenario.

“He’s done for his senior year, and he’s not gonna play again for Georgia,” Richt said.

Richt brought up Jones injury himself, when he was talking about this past weekend’s news that senior receiver Marlon Brown is also done because of an ACL injury.

“It’s just sad that those guys’ senior year ended prematurely because they’re great guys,” Richt said. “I still think they’ll have great careers in the NFL. But it’s just sad for them, sad for Georgia.”

Jones had 17 tackles and no sacks in seven games this season. He struggled with the ankle injury the last few games. He finishes his college career with 106 tackles and five sacks.

Brown feeling positive

Brown’s career may be over, but his roommate said the receiver is keeping a bright outlook.

“You wouldn’t know the difference in the way he was acting before, and after. He’s laughing, and smiling and joking around still,” said senior receiver Rantavious Wooten, who rooms with Brown. “Still, it’s affecting him, because of the situation. So the guys around him are just keeping his spirits up, keeping his head up, keeping him positive.”

Wooten said he wasn’t sure if Brown’s injury would mean much more of a role for himself, because he can only play one receiver spot, flanker.

But redshirt freshman Justin Scott-Wesley, who has just one catch this year, said he expected his own role to increase. Richt has said that as well.

“When guys go down, guys have to step up. So I guess it’s my time to step up.”

More injury updates

Guard Chris Burnette (shoulder) and outside linebacker Chase Vasser (shoulder sprain) did not practice on Monday. Their status for Saturday’s game against Auburn remains in question.

Fullback Merritt Hall, who missed most of the past two games with an ankle injury, was off the official injury report. Richt said he didn’t know if Hall would be able to play, but if he did that he anticipated a “pretty even split” of snaps with Zander Ogletree.