Sources: Georgia preparing for CFP without QB Carson Beck - ESPN

Georgia is preparing to play the College Football Playoff without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who is exploring surgery options to repair an injury to his elbow on his throwing arm, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Beck, who was considered a potential first-round pick in next year's NFL draft, is seeking medical opinions. He hasn't practiced with the Bulldogs since he was hurt on the final play of the first half in Georgia's 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the SEC championship game on Dec. 7, sources told ESPN.

Beck's return this season is unlikely, according to sources, and sophomore Gunner Stockton is expected to make his first college start in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's Day (8:45 p.m. ET/ESPN, ESPN+).

The Bulldogs received a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed in the CFP and will play the winner of Friday's game between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana in South Bend, Indiana (8 p.m. ET/ABC, ESPN, ESPN+).

Stockton came off the bench to rally Georgia from a 6-3 halftime deficit in the SEC title game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception.

Beck had an inconsistent campaign this past season, throwing for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was hampered by Georgia's receivers' dropped passes and inconsistent play on the offensive line.

Beck tossed three interceptions in each of three games — against Alabama, Texas and Florida. He threw nine interceptions in a four-game stretch from mid-October to early November.

Beck, a senior from Jacksonville, Florida, has a season of college eligibility remaining, meaning he could possibly return to Georgia, transfer to another school or enter the NFL