While Georgia is three wins away from capturing its third College Football Playoff championship in four years, the Bulldogs’ chances may hinge on the health of their top signal caller. As the Bulldogs gear up for the Quarterfinals of the newly expanded CFP, the question on everyone’s mind is: will Carson Beck be ready to take the field?
In a thrilling SEC Championship game against Texas, Beck suffered an injury to his throwing arm just before halftime. He exited the game, only to make a brief return in overtime, where he handed off to Trevor Etienne for the game-winning touchdown. Despite his determination, Beck was clearly favoring his arm, and Georgia took a cautious approach by limiting his role in such a critical matchup.
What is Carson Beck’s injury?
Beck’s injury occurred when he was hit near the end of the first half during the SEC Championship game on December 7. This incident left him visibly in pain, as his throwing arm was wrenched back during the play. After the injury, Beck was sidelined for the entire second half, returning only for that pivotal moment in overtime.
Despite the setback, Beck managed to complete seven of his 13 pass attempts for 56 yards during the game. This season, he has been a standout performer, completing 290 of 448 passes for 3,485 yards, with 28 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. His performance has been instrumental in Georgia’s success, and his absence could significantly impact the team’s playoff aspirations.
How long is Carson Beck out?
As of now, there is no definitive timetable for Beck’s return. Following MRI results, Georgia released a statement on December 9, indicating that the severity of his injury will dictate how long he remains sidelined. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, their CFP journey doesn’t kick off until the Quarterfinals, as they earned a first-round bye. This gives Beck some additional time to recover.
Georgia’s next game is scheduled for January 1, marking a 25-day break between the SEC title game and the CFP Quarterfinals. Coach Kirby Smart expressed confidence in Beck’s competitive spirit, stating, “Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers. I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits.” This determination could be crucial as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
UCL recovery time in football
Understanding the potential recovery timeline for Beck involves looking at UCL injuries, which can vary in severity. Recovery times typically depend on whether the injury is classified as Grade I, II, or III. A study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery examined UCL injuries in professional quarterbacks from 1994 to 2008, revealing an average return-to-play time of 26.4 days.
Beck underwent an MRI on Sunday, and while Coach Smart did not have the results during his press conference, he remained hopeful. “He did get to have an MRI this morning. We should get the results here in the next few hours,” Smart said. The uncertainty surrounding Beck’s condition adds to the tension as the Bulldogs prepare for their playoff run.
Georgia QB depth chart
In the wake of Beck’s injury, the Bulldogs must rely on their backup quarterback, Gunner Stockton. During the SEC Championship, Stockton stepped in and completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards, albeit with one interception. The depth chart currently looks like this:
| Role | Player |
| Starter | Carson Beck, Senior |
| Backup | Gunner Stockton, Redshirt Sophomore |
| Third-string | Jaden Rashada (R-Fr.) OR Ryan Puglisi (Fr.) |
With the stakes higher than ever, the Bulldogs will need Stockton to step up if Beck is unable to play. The team’s success in the playoffs may depend on how well he can adapt to the pressure of leading a championship-caliber team.
College Football Playoff schedule 2024
As the playoffs approach, fans are eager to see how the matchups will unfold. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:
| Date | Round | Matchup | Time | TV Channel |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | Indiana at Notre Dame | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | SMU at Penn State | 12:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | Clemson at Texas | 4:00 p.m. ET | TNT |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | Tennessee at Ohio State | 8:00 p.m. ET | ABC/ESPN |
| Dec. 31 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Boise State | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Arizona State | 1:00 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Oregon | 5:00 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Georgia | 8:45 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 9 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 10 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Jan. 20 | National Championship | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
With the playoffs set to begin soon, fans and players alike are holding their breath, hoping for a swift recovery for Carson Beck. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Georgia aims for yet another championship title!
