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Georgia suspends LB Tim Kimbrough for TaxSlayer Bowl

Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown past Georgia linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the first half of an NCAA college football game,Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/AL.com via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown past Georgia linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the first half of an NCAA college football game,Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/AL.com via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

Georgia will be without one of its leading tacklers in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Bulldogs interim head coach Bryan McClendon told reporters Monday that middle linebacker Tim Kimbrough is suspended for violating team rules and will miss the Jan. 2 game against Penn State.

Kimbrough played in all 12 games this season and was third on the team with 67 tackles. He also registered 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack while making seven starts.

According to the Athens Banner-Herald, McClendon said any additional discipline for Kimbrough after the bowl game is up to new head coach Kirby Smart. Smart, who was hired earlier this month, is finishing the season serving as Alabama’s defensive coordinator before making the full-time move to Georgia.

With Kimbrough out, freshman Natrez Patrick is expected to start next to Jake Ganus. Patrick started in the season finale against Georgia Tech and had four tackles and a sack.

On the offense, McClendon announced that Greyson Lambert will get the start at quarterback, but said Brice Ramsey could see some playing time as well. McClendon said Ramsey, a redshirt sophomore, has been playing “very well” in bowl practices.

Additionally, McClendon confirmed that junior running back Brendan Douglas will not play against Penn State after recent wrist surgery.

For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!