Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge is expected to dress on Saturday against No. 1 Texas, but only as an emergency option, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reports. The former first-team All-SEC guard suffered a sprained MCL and sprained ankle during the Bulldogs' 13-12 win over Kentucky. He underwent tightrope surgery in the days after, sidelining him for the last month.
Ratledge is listed as questionable on Georgia's availability report. He was seen in an ankle brace during the Bulldogs win over Mississippi State last weekend and Georgia coach Kirby Smart gave an encouraging update after the game.
"Yeah, he's much closer," Smart said on last Saturday. "He's running. He's on dry land running, pushing it. You know, he's got a custom-made brace. And we keep hoping he gets better."
Micah Morris has stepped in to play in Ratledge's spot during his absence. The redshirt junior has logged 240 snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus
This isn't the first time that Ratledge has missed significant time. He suffered a season-ending injury against Clemson in the opening game of the 2021 season.
With returning four of their five starters returning on the offensive line from last season, the group was expected to be a strength for the Bulldogs in 2024. Even with the addition of former Florida running back Trevor Etienne, Georgia have struggled to move the ball on the ground and rank 13th in the SEC in rushing yards per game (134) .
Georgia is in the rare position of underdog going into Saturday's game. The Longhorns 3.5-point betting favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Bulldogs will hope to get Ratledge back on a full-time basis soon as they enter the heart of their schedule. After Texas, Georgia's next three games are against rival Florida, No. 18 Ole Miss and No. 11 Tennessee.
