Georgia loses offensive lineman Tate Ratledge for the season
Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge will be out for the season following an injury he suffered Saturday night against Clemson. Ratledge, a redshirt freshman, started at right guard against the Tigers, his first career start. His surgery is schedule for Wednesday confirmed by a source close to Ratledge.
Ratledge came up limping during Georgia’s first offensive drive of the game and later returned to the sideline without pads. It was announced as a right foot injury in the press box, and that he was “out for now.”
In his absence, the Bulldogs turned to veteran offensive lineman Warren Ericson for the rest of the game at right guard. Ericson suffered an injury of his own earlier in the preseason to his hand, but was able to play with a cast in the win.
The news is obviously unfortunate for Ratledge who had worked himself into a starting position during fall camp. However, it’s not the end of the world for the Bulldogs with the kind of depth they have up front. Jamaree Salyer, who started at left tackle on Saturday, has experience at guard, as do Justin Shaffer and Ericson, who held down the two guard spots against the Tigers.
This story will continue to be updated as DawgsHQ learns more information. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart meets with the media tomorrow (Monday) for a regularly scheduled appearance and is sure to be asked for more details about the situation.
