Georgia’s thrilling 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the SEC championship game last Saturday in Atlanta not only assured the Bulldogs a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff field, but it gave them a coveted first-round bye.
Coach Kirby Smart’s team was able to earn the win despite playing the entire second half and overtime period without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who was injured on the final play of the first half and didn’t return to the game until handing the ball off to Trevor Etienne for what would be the game-winning touchdown run.
While backup Gunner Stockton was able to rally his team in its biggest game of the season, questions still remain about Beck and whether one of the preseason favorites for the Heisman Trophy might be able to return in time for the playoff.
Here’s the latest on Carson Beck’s injury and how it impacts his playing status for the College Football Playoff:
Carson Beck injury update
According to the university, there is “no current timetable on his return.”
Beck was injured while attempting to throw a Hail Mary from midfield with no time remaining in the first half. As he was about to move his arm forward to throw a last-second heave, Beck was hit by Texas’ Trey Moore, with some noticeable contact on his forearm. Beck was tended to by team medical personnel and did not return to action, with Stockton taking over for him the rest of the way.
Smart had said during the playoff selection show on Sunday that Beck had undergone an MRI that morning on his elbow.
For now, the vague, uncertain timetable for a potential return adds to the doubt surrounding a Georgia team that’s one of the favorites to win the playoff.
Thanks to the bye, the Bulldogs won’t play again until the Sugar Bowl on January 1, a national quarterfinal game that will pit them against the winner of a December 20 matchup between Notre Dame and Indiana. If nothing else, Beck could have some extra time to rest his elbow if the injury isn’t so serious that it would require surgery.
While relieving Beck, Stockton, a sophomore who was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.
During his senior season, Beck has completed 64.7% of his passes for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.