The starting quarterback for the No. 2 team in the country, Carson Beck, is facing a significant injury that may prevent him from participating in the College Football Playoff. This injury not only affects the current season but also has implications for his potential NFL draft status and Georgia's quarterback situation moving forward.

Unraveling the Consequences of a Quarterback's Injury

Beck's Injury and Timeline

Orthopedic surgeon Timothy Gibson, who watched the SEC Championship Game, initially suspected either a shoulder sublex injury or an elbow UCL injury. In football, UCL injuries typically occur due to traumatic events like Beck's. There are three grades of UCL injuries: Grade 1 is a minimal tear similar to a bruise with partial ligament injury; Grade 2 involves a tear with the UCL being a bit loose and some fibers intact; and Grade 3 is a complete tear.Georgia has not announced the results of the MRI, but multiple sources suggest it is an UCL injury. There is uncertainty about whether Beck will need surgery, as a Grade 1 injury might not require it. However, even a Grade 1 injury typically requires at least four weeks of rest and rehab. Beck got hurt on Dec. 7, and the Sugar Bowl is on Jan. 1, which is four weeks later. Gibson believes that even a Grade 1 injury might prevent Beck from playing soon, with three to four weeks being the fastest possible recovery time.The NFL draft is another consideration. A Grade 1 tear could heal in eight to 12 weeks, potentially in time for the NFL Scouting Combine. However, if Beck gets surgery, he will miss pre-draft workouts. The relatively new internal brace surgery is a popular option for NFL quarterbacks with similar injuries.

The NFL Draft

If Beck had gone pro after the 2023 season, it's difficult to predict where he would have been picked. But this season, his stock seems to have taken a hit, with scouts projecting him in the third to fourth round range. Despite this, not being able to work out pre-draft won't damage his draft grade significantly as teams have two years of tape to evaluate him. He will still go through the interview process, but other quarterbacks could potentially make stronger cases to be drafted ahead of him with strong all-star performances or workouts.The current quarterback class is considered weak, with Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward projected high in the first round. After them, Beck could be competing with Quinn Ewers to be the third quarterback if Alabama's Jalen Milroe stays for another year. Although Beck is a fifth-year senior, he has the option to return for another year, but there may not be much to gain.

What Does Georgia Do?

Once practice begins for the Sugar Bowl, Gunner Stockton will likely take the first-team reps and the game plan will likely be built around him. His running ability is a plus, and he showed more downfield throwing ability than in his previous games. As for the backups, freshman Ryan Puglisi will likely move up to No. 2 and sophomore Jaden Rashada to No. 3, although there could be some quick competition.Beck remains a wild card until he is ruled out. If he is available, he doesn't need a lot of practice reps due to his experience. But the amount and timing of his practice are important. Additionally, the transfer portal is a factor. California quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Oklahoma's Jackson Arnold could potentially join Georgia. Beck's injury complicates matters as potential transfers will be watching Stockton's performance. It's a fascinating situation that Georgia and its coaches need to manage carefully.