Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is nearing a return to the field just weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken bone in his right hand. With the highly anticipated game against Texas approaching, Mateer has been listed as probable on the SEC availability report.
Injury Status and Recovery
Less than 20 days have passed since Mateer’s surgery. Reports indicate that he expressed his desire to return to play against Texas shortly after the procedure. Initially, there were concerns about the status of his hand. At one point, sources described his condition as “iffy,” but recent evaluations suggest he is improving.
Critical Evaluation Before the Game
The ultimate determination of Mateer’s availability will depend on how he feels on game day and the results of his pregame warmups. Those warmups are essential in assessing his readiness for the contest.
Performance and Leadership
Mateer’s commitment to recovery is notable. His injury occurred during the first quarter of the game against Auburn, yet he stayed on the field and delivered an impressive performance. He completed 24 passes out of 36 attempts for 271 yards and one touchdown, playing a crucial role in the Sooners’ victory with a decisive fourth-quarter drive.
Backup Options
If Mateer is unable to participate, Oklahoma will turn to sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. He filled in for Jackson Arnold during last year’s matchup against Texas and impressed with solid statistics in his recent outing against Kent State, where he threw for 162 yards and three touchdowns while also scoring once on the ground.
Team Dynamics
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has been cautious regarding Mateer’s condition. He initially presumed that Mateer would not be fit to play and noted that the quarterback had not completed any full-contact practice. Nevertheless, optimism persists about Mateer’s potential return, given his performance earlier in the season, which positioned him as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
The Red River Rivalry game is set to be a crucial moment for Mateer and Oklahoma, as they aim to secure another win against their long-standing rivals.
