Todd Gurley Playing Status UPDATE: Named Starting Running Back for Saturday's Game Against Auburn

Georgia head football coach Mark Richt chose a low-key way to announce Todd Gurley's return to the Bulldogs will in fact be as the starting tailback.

According to AL.com, Richt released his team's depth chart for Saturday night's game against Auburn and Gurley's name was listed at the top in the backfield. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Richt would not say who his starter would be.

Georgia is one game behind Missouri in the SEC East with three games left for both teams. The Bulldogs will play all three games at home, hosting Auburn, Charleston Southern and Georgia Tech. Their only hope to make the inaugural College Football Playoff (CFP) may be to take the SEC East and win the conference title.

Gurley's return is at an opportune time for Georgia, as Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who play exceptionally well in his absence, will now act as dangerous compliments. Combined this season, those three have taken 266 carries for 1,975 yards and 19 touchdowns. What's more is Chubb accumulated the bulk of his 133 carries in Gurley's absence, meaning his workload will lighten.

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

Georgia immediately ruled Gurley ineligible ahead of their game against Missouri last month over evidence he accepted improper benefits for autographed memorabilia. Gurley's suspension lasted four games, in accordance with accepting about $3,000 for his autograph. The NCAA reinstated Gurley after the four games, lauding Georgia for self-reporting and also stating that the tailback admitted to what he did.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see more than just Nick and Todd in the ballgame at that running back position," Richt told reporters, according to the AP. "Early in the year we did a good job of giving guys reps and hopefully we can continue to do that."