Georgia Bulldogs Guard Tate Ratledge Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Georgia All-American guard Tate Ratledge had TightRope surgery on his sprained left ankle on Monday and is expected to miss several games, as announced by Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart on Tuesday.
Ratledge, a senior from Rome, Georgia, sustained the injury during the second quarter of Georgia’s narrow 13-12 win at Kentucky on Saturday. The typical recovery time for this procedure is about four to six weeks.
In contrast, the news regarding star quarterback Carson Beck was more positive. Beck has a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder but is not expected to miss any games, having been injured at the end of a run in the fourth quarter against Kentucky. “We have about seven AC joint sprains, so it’s not a significant injury,” Smart stated. “Carson’s fine. He’s practiced both days.”
Georgia has a bye week this week before facing No. 4 Alabama on September 28 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). The No. 2 Bulldogs will also host home games against Auburn and Mississippi State before traveling to play No. 1 Texas on October 19.
Ratledge, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 320 pounds, has started 31 games in his Georgia career, including all three this season. He was recognized as a second-team All-American and a first-team All-SEC selection in 2023.
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Ratledge as the No. 4 interior offensive line prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“He’s already had the TightRope surgery and is in the rehab process,” Smart said. “We assessed it after the game and needed to get it fixed. We expect him to make a full and healthy recovery as soon as possible.”
In Ratledge’s absence, juniors Micah Morris and Dylan Fairchild will step in as guards.
Last season, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers returned just 26 days after undergoing TightRope ankle surgery, while offensive tackle Amarius Mims and tight end Lawson Luckie took longer to recover from the same procedure.
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