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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
James Morgan

What UGA offensive linemen have to step up with Tate Ratledge out

Georgia Bulldogs All-SEC offensive guard Tate Ratledge is out for an extended period of time after undergoing tightrope surgery on his ankle. Ratledge suffered his injury in the first half against Kentucky, so Georgia has a taste of life without their star offensive guard.

However, Georgia’s offense did not exactly perform as expected against Kentucky. The Bulldogs scored just 13 points and did not surpass 300 total yards of offense.

Georgia will have to rely on offensive guard Micah Morris to fill in for Tate Ratledge. Morris regularly receives snaps as part of Georgia’s offensive line rotation. Morris, who appeared in 13 games last season, has seen action in all three of Georgia’s games to start the 2024 season.

“We play Micah (Morris) a lot,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart. “So, we have three guards that play. That’s why we do that because there’s a chance of injury and we play three guys. So, I didn’t see a lot different with him going out. Micah stepped in and played. Micah probably had to play more than he typically does, and he and Dylan (Fairchild) did a good job.”

Morris has plenty of experience and should be ready to step in. He’ll have an extra week to prepare for Georgia’s big road game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept. 28.

Another offensive lineman that becomes more important with Tate Ratledge out is offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle has played in all three of Georgia’s games to start the 2024 season. Freeling, a sophomore, saw an uptick in snaps against Kentucky.

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