Even though the Georgia Bulldogs won the SEC, they are not out of the woods yet. The starting quarterback of the Bulldogs, Carson Beck, has experienced a status change since Saturday. Beck was tackled during the final minutes of the first half of Saturday’s game. Texas Longhorns Defensive Back Andrew Mukuba stopped him cold. Georgia’s backup, Gunner Stockton, relieved Beck for most of the game. Despite the heroic return to the field in OT on Saturday, Carson Beck’s elbow looks rough. How will this injury impact the team’s national championship aspirations?
Where His Troubles Began
Carson Beck both started the championship game and finished it, despite some issues in the middle of the game. During the first half of the game, Beck was tackled with his throwing arm outstretched. Georgia felt a sense of foreboding as their quarterback writhed in pain. He eventually left the field for backup Quarterback Gunner Stockton to take over. Beck would return in overtime and captain an explosive ending to their 2024 SEC title run. Despite the big payoff, the starting quarterback added stress to his elbow.
Georgia’s Carson Beck was not meant to return to the game, given the location of his injury. His elbow was rigged up with ice and stabilized. But after his backup Stockton took a big hit from Texas Longhorn Andrew Mukuba, Beck returned. It turned out that a brief appearance was all they needed to clinch the game in OT. Beck, despite his injury, managed to get the ball to Trevor Etienne for a rushing touchdown. It was a pattern all too familiar to the Longhorns, who lost to them earlier this season. Georgia won in OT 22-19, sealing their SEC title with every effort possible.
Latest Updates
According to On3, redshirt senior Carson Beck “is now having second opinions” on his injury. Originally the injury was designated as a tear in his UCL in his right elbow. The Ulnar Collateral Ligament runs along the inner part of the elbow, supporting throwing motions. Georgia has thus far not confirmed this nor a timeline for Beck’s return. Beck is reportedly scheduled for a specific strengthening program for his throwing arm. He will be exploring all options available to him and his team.
For now, the Dawgs will have to make do without Carson Beck. This news may impact his 2025 NFL Draft journey, as it has struggled in the past. Whatever the case, his recovery journey has just begun. The Georgia Bulldogs will likely have to rely on Gunner Stockton from here on out. They will battle the winner of Notre Dame-Indiana in the upcoming Sugar Bowl.
Final Thoughts
At this stage, Carson Beck’s overall injury timeline remains to be seen. Recovery and methods will depend on the particulars of the elbow injury. It appears that Beck and the Georgia Bulldogs are exploring several treatment and rehabilitation options. As of this writing, it is unclear when Beck’s return is expected. Georgia will have to make do without him and Punter Brett Thorson. Also injured in Saturday’s game, Thorson requires season-ending knee surgery on his non-kicking leg. This will also damage the Bulldogs offense as Thorson is one of the best punters in the nation.
In the face of such devastating injuries, Head Coach Kirby Smart remains positive. In a statement released by the Georgia Bulldogs, he said: “Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way.”
