Tate Ratledge injury update: Kirby Smart puts severity in context

Georgia has played the last few weeks without star offensive lineman Tate Ratledge after he went down with an ankle injury. Tightrope surgery was required, something the Bulldogs have gone through in recent seasons. Tight end Brock Bowers had the same procedure done last season and his status was a storyline throughout.

Kirby Smart revealed Ratledge’s situation is a little more severe than Bowers’, putting the whole situation into perspective. The head coach was complimentary of the toughness shown by Ratledge as he is working his way back onto the field.

“He could be one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around,” Smart said. “You don’t question his toughness. He had a very significant tightrope injury. To the point where it was more significant than Brock’s. He is fighting his way back.”

Ratledge was considered a game-time decision leading into Saturday’s game vs. Texas after being questionable during the week. Turns out, he could have played if Georgia really needed him to. Smart said Ratledge was there in case of emergency — a situation the Bulldogs thankfully did not find themselves in.

“He wasn’t ready to play but he was an emergency guy that could have gone in the game if we needed him to,” Smart said. “We’re hopeful he keeps getting better. I know it’s not going to be because he doesn’t work hard.”

Having an experienced offensive line is a plus and Georgia certainly does when Ratledge is out there. He came into the season starting all but two of the team’s 29 games at right guard. Quality performances in 2023 earned Ratledge a spot on the AP All-American second-team.

But Georgia has not had Ratledge on the field since the Kentucky game. Thankfully, there is some time before another game as the Bulldogs have a bye week before facing Florida in a huge rivalry matchup on Nov. 2.

Based on Smart’s words, Ratledge is going to battle his hardest to get back for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.