Georgia will be without a key offensive player in their upcoming game against Alabama. According to Jake Rowe of Dawgs HQ, Tate Ratledge, Georgia’s starting right guard, underwent tightrope surgery on his left ankle after the Bulldogs’ narrow 13-12 victory over Kentucky. Coach Kirby Smart has confirmed that Ratledge will be sidelined for at least a month.

The tightrope procedure, commonly used to treat ankle sprains, typically requires four to six weeks of recovery. Ratledge, hailing from Rome, Georgia, is considered one of the Bulldogs’ top offensive linemen. He has been instrumental in Georgia’s back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championship wins in 2021 and 2022, and he earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 310 pounds, Ratledge has played a crucial role in establishing Georgia’s powerful run game and providing protection for quarterback Carson Beck.

Ratledge’s absence will pose a challenge for Georgia, especially against an Alabama team that will be looking to stifle Georgia’s rushing attack and put pressure on Beck. This upcoming matchup on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be a pivotal contest for both teams.