Carson Beck injury update: Huge Blow for Georgia as Kirby Smart's team prep for College Football Playoff
The Georgia Bulldogs are gearing up for the College Football Playoff without starting quarterback Carson Beck, a development that poses a significant challenge for head coach Kirby Smart.
Beck sustained an elbow injury during the SEC Championship on Dec. 7 and is currently away from the team as he evaluates treatment options, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Mark Schlabach and Chris Low.
With Beck sidelined, sophomore Gunner Stockton is set to take the reins when Georgia faces its Sugar Bowl opponent on Jan. 1, per reports. This marks Stockton’s first career start, thrusting him into the national spotlight under high-stakes circumstances.
“The team has a lot of confidence in Gunner. He’s very smart, very intelligent,” Kirby said [H/t The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]. “So I don’t know that it’s a lot of change. It’s probably more picking the volume correctly in terms of not having everything that we have with Carson, but having things that fit Gunner.”
On3's Pete Nakos added that Beck's recovery timeline remains uncertain as he evaluates his options. Beck has also been absent from team practices since the Bulldogs resumed training last week.
Georgia has yet to make a statement on Beck’s long-term status, leaving fans and analysts speculating about how this could impact the Bulldogs' playoff run.
The Sugar Bowl is set for an 8:45 p.m. EST kickoff at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where Stockton will look to rise to the occasion and lead Georgia to victory.
Georgia’s starting quarterback Carson Beck had a great season
In his second year as Georgia’s starting quarterback, Carson Beck showcased his talent with 3,485 passing yards and a career-best 28 touchdowns, steering the Bulldogs to the College Football Playoff.
Despite some issues with ball security earlier in the season, throwing 12 interceptions, Beck turned things around in his final four games, avoiding a single turnover.
Georgia finished the season at 11-2, securing its second SEC title since 2022. Over his career, Beck has amassed 7,912 passing yards and 58 touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 24-3 record over the past two seasons.
Also Read: Carson Beck fails to fit Georgia offense like Gunner Stockton, suggests CFB Insider Josh Pate