Georgia is reportedly preparing for life without starting quarterback Carson Beck in the College Football Playoffs.
Beck is reportedly exploring surgery options to repair an elbow injury to his throwing arm and is unlikely to return this season, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
On the last play before halftime in the SEC championship game, Beck went to throw a Hail Mary, but the Texas defender hit his arm as he threw.
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Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) on the sideline after leaving the game during the second half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (IMAGE)
The Bulldogs quarterback fell to the ground in pain and was replaced by sophomore Gunner Stockton in the third quarter.
Stockton went 12-16 with 71 yards and one interception, replacing Beck in the second half. In overtime, the second-year quarterback had to leave the game because he received a heavy hit to the head area.
Then, Beck, although injured, re-entered the game to pass the ball to running back Trevor Etienne, who scored the winning touchdown.
After the game, Beck talked about not having good ball control during the game, according to On3.
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Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) goes down after a hit to his throwing shoulder during the first half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (IMAGE)
Because Georgia beat Texas 22-19 in overtime to win the SEC Championship where Beck was injured, they secured a first-round bye as the second seed. They play the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana.
Stockton is in line to make his first career start in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Stockton is 25-32 passing for 206 yards in limited action in three games this season.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the second half of the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
While Beck may not start in the College Football Playoff, the senior quarterback’s career at Georgia isn’t necessarily over as he has one more year of eligibility.
Beck could declare for the NFL Draft anyway, giving up his final year of eligibility. The senior quarterback could also stay at Georgia for one more season or enter the transfer portal to try to boost his stock.
This season, Beck has completed 64.7% of his passes, throwing for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading Georgia to an 11-2 record.
