John Mateer injury update: Oklahoma QB listed as questionable for rivalry showdown vs. Texas
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is listed as questionable for Saturday’s rivalry game against Texas in the team’s initial availability report, released Wednesday evening. Mateer is still recovering from hand surgery, but he has not yet been ruled out for the Red River rivalry.
Mateer was injured in the Sooners’ 24-17 win over Auburn on Sept. 20, and he hasn’t played since. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported Tuesday that there was some “optimism” Mateer could be back in time for the No. 6 Sooners to face the unranked Longhorns.
“As we have reported in recent weeks, it is still possible that he ends up playing this week, but no final decision has been made yet,” Zenitz said. “Post-operative feedback has been very good and has led to optimism about the recovery timeline.”
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Before the injury, Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, had worked his way into the heart of the Heisman Trophy race with his dual-threat ability. In four games, Mateer completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He was also a weapon in the running game, where he totaled 190 yards and five scores. At the time of his injury, Mateer ranked second nationally with 351.3 total yards per game.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the Oklahoma quarterback situation, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian admitted that his coaching staff has no choice but to prepare for what Mateer brings. Texas is currently a 1.5-point favorite at FanDuel for Saturday’s game.
“We will plan for Mateer, you have to do it,” Sargsyan said. “He’s a dynamic player, he’s definitely the heart of this attack, everything runs through him.”
With Mateer out, backup Michael Hawkins Jr. was moved into the starting role for Oklahoma’s win over Kent State in Week 6. The sophomore completed 14 of 24 pass attempts for 162 yards and three touchdowns while adding 33 yards and a score on the ground. If Mateer can’t play, Hawkins will start for the second straight season against the Longhorns. Hawkins finished 19 of 30 for 148 yards in last year’s 34-3 loss.
Oklahoma improved to 5-0 with the 44-0 win over Kent State. Texas, meanwhile, fell to 3-2 and fell out of the AP Top 25 after a 29-21 road loss to Florida.
