Georgia tight end Brock Bowers will undergo surgery Monday to stabilize an ankle injury suffered on Saturday vs. Vanderbilt, the school announced.

Bowers, a 2022 All-American and arguably the top overall player in the SEC, was injured as he was tackled on the sideline on an end-around run in the second quarter of the Bulldogs’ 37-20 victory over the Commodores in Nashville. He limped to his feet, then went to one knee before being helped off the field and to the locker room by trainers.

Although it’s unclear how long Bowers will be sidelined with what was termed a high ankle sprain, he’s expected to make a full recovery and could return this season. Similar injuries have been treated in the past with a surgical technique known as a “tightrope” procedure, during which the ends of the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) are anchored together with a braided polyethylene cord rather than surgical screws — allowing for a swifter recovery.

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa underwent tightrope surgery after injuring his ankle vs. Tennessee midway through the 2019 season. He missed just one game (vs. Arkansas), then was able to return after Alabama’s open date and play well vs. LSU.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Bowers has 41 receptions for 567 yards and four touchdowns this season for the Bulldogs, who are 7-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally heading into their open date. Georgia faces arch-rival Florida in the annual “Cocktail Party” game in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 28.

After Florida, Georgia finishes the regular season against Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs are currently riding a 24-game winning streak.