ATHENS — There wasn’t any more stopping short when it came to Nick Chubb’s status. He’ll play on Saturday, which has been apparent for awhile.

What’s more, his workload won’t be an issue, according to head coach Kirby Smart.

“We feel good about Nick, he feels great and is ready to go,” Smart said. “He won’t be on a pitch count by any means.”

It’s been fairly obvious for awhile that Chubb – who has been a full-go basically all of preseason camp – would play and probably start against North Carolina. The team and Chubb himself – who has come up three times for interviews – had held back on proclaiming that.

Those needing official word can take Smart’s on Monday.

“He’s been cleared,” Smart said. “It’s a situation where he’s scrimmaged, and done live things, and he’s had a lot of practices where he’s carried it more than five-to-seven times.

The drama now revolves around the tailbacks behind Chubb.

Fellow junior Sony Michel remains a game-time decision with his arm injury. Michel has been practicing but Smart said he hasn’t been cleared to be tackled.

“It’s a situation that’s day to day and we’re getting updates every day, and he’s doing more each practice,” Smart said.

Then there’s freshman Elijah Holyfield, who is day-to-day with an ankle he sprained over a week ago.

“He’s still gimpy on the ankle, but we’re gonna get all we can out of him,” Smart said.