Georgia quarterback Carson Beck unlikely to return for College Football Playoff: report

Georgia is reportedly preparing for life without starting quarterback Carson Beck in the College Football Playoff.

Beck is reportedly exploring surgical options to repair an elbow injury on his throwing arm and is unlikely to return this season, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

On the last play before halftime of the SEC championship game, Beck went to throw a Hail Mary, but the Texas defender hit his arm while throwing.

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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. (IMAGINE)

The Bulldogs' quarterback fell to the ground in pain and was replaced by sophomore Gunner Stockton in the third quarter.

Stockton was 12-16 with 71 yards and an interception, replacing Beck in the second half. In overtime, the second-year quarterback had to leave the game because he took a huge hit to the head.

Thus, Beck, although injured, returned to the game to hand the ball to running back Trevor Etienne, who scored the winning touchdown.

After the match, Beck said he didn't have a good grip on the ball during the game, according to On3.

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Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) falls after a hit to his throwing shoulder during the first half of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (IMAGINE)

Because Georgia beat Texas 22-19 in overtime to win the SEC championship where Beck was injured, it earned a first-round bye as a No. 2 seed. They play the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana.

Stockton is set to make his first career start in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

Stockton is 25-32 for 206 yards in limited action through three games this season.

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Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) returns to pass against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

Although Beck may not make the College Football Playoff, the senior quarterback's career at Georgia isn't necessarily over as he has one year of eligibility remaining.

Beck could enter the NFL draft anyway, forgoing his final year of eligibility. The senior quarterback could also stay at Georgia for another season, or enter the transfer portal in an attempt to raise his stock.

This season, Beck completed 64.7% of his passes, totaling 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading Georgia to an 11-2 record.

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