John Mateer injury update: Additional details emerge on surgery, timeline per report

News broke on Tuesday afternoon that Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will need surgery to repair an issue with his hand. He was a leading Heisman Trophy contender.

ESPN insider Pete Thamel provided more details on the injury on Twitter on Tuesday. First, the injury occurred in the first quarter against Auburn, when Mateer suffered a broken bone in his right hand, his throwing hand.

The surgery is considered “straight-forward,” will put Mateer out for about a month and will be handled by Dr. Steven Shin. Shin, according to Schefter, is considered one of the country’s leading hand and wrist surgeons. He has performed previous operations on Drew Brees, Steph Curry and Mike Trout.

John Mateer has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country to date. He has emerged as an elite dual-threat prospect, one year after transferring in from Washington State.

The veteran gunslinger has thrown for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns, against three interceptions. He has also run for 190 yards and five scores.

His absence, which could last as long as three or four weeks and include games against Kent State and Texas after this week’s bye, will be detrimental to the Sooners. Oklahoma’s ground game has largely relied on Mateer’s rushing to produce its totals.

Oklahoma will start backup Michael Hawkins in place of John Mateer. Hawkins threw for 783 yards and three touchdowns, against two interceptions, while starting a handful of games in 2024.

John Mateer started off strong at Oklahoma

Mateer’s arrival in Norman came with plenty of fanfare as he again works closely with Ben Arbuckle, who was his offensive coordinator at Washington State. Mateer was the No. 3 overall player to enter the transfer portal this past cycle, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Additionally, Mateer was generating buzz as a Heisman Trophy contender. He topped On3’s Heisman Trophy Poll after Week 4 with 67 points – 13 more than Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who came in second.

Hawkins will now step into the starting role in Mateer’s absence, starting with Week 6 against Kent State. He got some run last year after Oklahoma sat Jackson Arnold, and coach Brent Venables expressed confidence he can fill John Mateer’s shoes while he recovers from surgery.

“We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers,” Venables said. “He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better. I’m proud of the work Michael’s put in and the progress he’s made, and know he will attack this opportunity to help lead our football team.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.