The University of Georgia football team is reportedly making preparations for the upcoming College Football Playoffs without their starting quarterback, Carson Beck. Sources indicate that Beck is considering surgery to address an elbow injury sustained during the SEC Championship game, making his return this season improbable.
The injury occurred on the final play of the first half against the University of Texas, when Beck attempted a Hail Mary pass and his throwing arm was hit by a defender. Beck was visibly in pain and subsequently replaced by sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton in the third quarter.
Stockton's performance was mixed, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and one interception. He, too, was forced to leave the game in overtime after a significant hit to the head. This led to a dramatic return by the injured Beck, who, despite limited mobility, handed the ball off to running back Trevor Etienne for the game-winning touchdown.
Post-game, Beck admitted to having difficulty gripping the ball. With Georgia's overtime victory securing them the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye, Stockton is now poised to make his first career start in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. He has seen limited action this season, completing 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards across three games.
While Beck's participation in the playoffs appears unlikely, his collegiate career may not be over. He retains one year of eligibility and could choose to return to Georgia next season, declare for the NFL Draft, or explore opportunities through the transfer portal. This season, Beck has thrown for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 64.7% of his passes and leading Georgia to an 11-2 record.
