Coming off a four-game suspension, Todd Gurley's return to the Georgia Bulldogs could not be better timed, but the tailback may not be restored to starter.

On one hand, Gurley's legs will be fresh after the NCAA suspended him four games for accepting cash in exchange for his signature. However, Gurley will be thrown right into an intense SEC matchup with Auburn as his team trails Missouri for the division.

According to the Associated Press, Georgia head football coach Mark Richt may be taking a cautious approach to Gurley's return.

"We haven't even talked about that yet," he said Sunday, a day after the Bulldogs' 63-31 win over Kentucky. "Obviously, both those guys will play and we'll see how Sony is doing. I think he came out of the game pretty good, too. I wouldn't be surprised to see more than just Nick and Todd in the ballgame at that running back position. Early in the year we did a good job of giving guys reps and hopefully we can continue to do that."

Nick Chubb ran for 170 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries in that game, while Hutson Mason threw for 174 yards, four scores and no interceptions. Richt also saw Sony Michel take 16 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.

At the time of his suspension, Gurley was a Heisman Trophy contender, accumulating 773 yards and eight touchdowns on 93 carries. While Chubb may have outgained Gurley, the latter still has the best yards-per-carry of any Georgia player to take at least 30 carries.

When kickoff comes Saturday, Richt and his staff will be glad to have this problem, as he will be able to ride the hot hand out of three backs while keeping them all fresh.

"We're glad he's back and we're looking forward to seeing him play," Richt said. "I'll be glad to have this thing over with, no doubt."

Chubb is also looking forward to the opportunity to get Gurley back, the AP reported.

"I know I haven't taken his spot," Chubb said. "I am looking forward to Todd getting back on the field and playing with him. I miss him out there.

"I cannot wait.

"It will keep all of us fresh and ready to go."