ATLANTA — Georgia football quarterback Carson Beck suffered an upper extremity injury during the SEC Championship Game against Texas on Saturday, as confirmed by head coach Kirby Smart. The incident occurred towards the end of the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Bulldogs triumphed over Texas in an intense overtime match, finishing 22-19.
The injury resulted from a sack by Texas’ Trey Moore, leading to a chaotic play where Beck lost control of the ball, which was eventually recovered by offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild. After the play, Beck was attended to on the field by multiple staff members as he lay on the turf.
While Coach Smart did not specify the exact nature of the injury, “upper extremity” could refer to various areas, including fingers, hand, arm, shoulder, or elbow. During the broadcast, Beck was seen applying ice to his elbow in the third quarter. Smart revealed that Beck was unable to throw or grip the ball when evaluated in the locker room at halftime, noting, “It was a little bit painful for him. We need to find out exactly what’s going on.”
An MRI scheduled for Sunday will provide further insight into Beck’s condition. As a senior, this game marked a significant point in his career, especially considering he may be eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his injury, Beck returned to perform a critical final play, facilitating the winning touchdown handoff to running back Trevor Etienne because backup quarterback Gunner Stockton had to leave the field momentarily after losing his helmet.
Reflecting on the situation, Smart emphasized how they were prepared to substitute in third-string quarterback Ryan Puglisi but ultimately felt confident in Beck’s ability to take the snap.
Georgia has secured a place in the College Football Playoff with a record of 11-2. The official bracket will be announced by the selection committee on Sunday, presenting a promising opportunity for the Bulldogs to continue their postseason run.
Overall, while the injury news concerning Beck is concerning, the team’s resilience and adaptability on the field showcase their strength. Fans can remain hopeful as the team progresses into the playoffs, and hopefully, Beck’s injury will resolve quickly.