Tate Ratledge Injury Update: Georgia HC Kirby Smart sheds light on offensive guard’s possible return

Offensive guard Tate Ratledge is an important veteran on the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (6-1), but they have been without him on the offensive line for a few weeks. Ratledge left the Bulldogs' game against Kentucky with ankle and knee injuries on Sept. 14 and has not returned to play.

However, coach Kirby Smart spoke on Tuesday about Ratledge and teammate Smael Mondon, giving updates on both players' injuries. Based on his comments, it sounds like Ratledge is closer to a return than Mondon.

"I've seen a lot of hard work," Smart said. "I mean, he could be one of the toughest players I've ever been around. You don't question his toughness. He had a very significant tight tope injury. I mean, to the point, it was more significant than Brock's (Bowers), and he is fighting his way back."

Ratledge warmed up with the team when it got ready for its 30-15 win over No. 5 Texas but did not play in the game. He was listed as questionable for most of the week. Kirby Smart elaborated about Ratledge warming up but not playing.

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

Georgia's offensive line was at its best against Texas and has performed well without Ratledge for most of his absence. However, adding him back into the lineup will only make it stronger as the Bulldogs look to push for the SEC title in the final five games of the season.

Tate Ratledge could return against Florida

Georgia is fortunate to have an open week this week, and as a result, Tate Ratledge will have another week to recover without the pressure of trying to get ready to play a game. Georiga plays next on Nov. 2 when it hosts the Florida Gators.

That game looks like a plausible return date for Ratledge, although nothing has been confirmed. He is still listed as questionable on the injury report, but with a week and a half until the Bulldogs' next game, there is lots of time for his status to improve.

Getting Tate Ratledge back will be important for the Bulldogs with two challenging games coming up. After playing Florida, they play No. 18 Ole Miss, followed by No. 7 Tennessee.