Georgia’s depth will be tested up front with All-American guard expected to miss extended time

In Georgia’s Week 3 win over Kentucky, the Bulldogs were forced to scramble to replace All-American right guard Tate Ratledge when he left the game with knee and ankle injuries near the end of the first half. Ratledge spent the second half on the sidelines with a knee brace and a walking boot and on Monday, Rust Mansell of Dawgs HQ reported that Ratledge has a sprained MCL and a sprained ankle. 

Ratledge is expected to miss a large chunk of the season with those injuries. Georgia is reportedly hoping for the stalwart of its offensive line back on the field in time for its November 2, matchup against Florida. 

On Saturday, Micah Morris replaced Ratledge, played 37 snaps in relief, and didn’t allow a pressure on Carson Beck. The senior backup guard has played 536 snaps across his four-year career in Athens. In 2023, Morris didn't make a single start, but he still managed to play 418 snaps, primarily at left guard in a rotation with Dylan Fairchild. Prior to Ratledge’s injury, Morris had rotated in at left guard for five snaps against Kentucky. 

Georgia’s offense was sluggish in the 13-12 win in Lexington and the offensive line was a real concern against Kentucky All-American defensive lineman Deone Walker. Beck wasn’t sacked, but he was pressured nine times, a new season high, and the Bulldogs averaged a mere 3.4 yards per rush. Trevor Etienne was Georgia’s most effective offensive player and he only managed 79 yards on 19 carries. 

Morris is an experienced replacement, but Georgia’s depth will be tested along the offensive line, a group that was expected to be the strength of the offense. Georgia returned four starters with Jared Wilson replacing Sedrick Van Pran-Grainger at center, but now it will be without its most important piece for over a month.

So far this season, Beck has only been pressured on 19.8% of his dropbacks, but he's struggled badly with defenders speeding him up in the backfield. He is 4/11 passing on those 18 dropbacks for 45 yards and five scrambles. The senior quarterback has been more effective with his legs and Georgia fans could see him taking off even more if Morris struggles or more injuries pile up.