John Mateer injury update: Brent Venables explains Oklahoma QB not wearing tape on surgically repaired hand

For the first time in a long time, John Mateer appears to be practicing without tape on his right hand. Ever since getting surgery, tape has been there to be careful throughout the healing process. But as Oklahoma prepares to face Alabama in the College Football Playoff, Mateer is going without it.

Head coach Brent Venables was asked about the development when speaking to the media on Wednesday. He explained the thought process behind Mateer not using tape. The quarterback appears to be more comfortable gripping the ball when dropping back to pass.

“He still has some soreness, so he’s not pain free,” Venables said via George Stoia of On3 | Rivals’ Sooner Scoop. “… From a stability standpoint, he’s better than he’s been gripping the ball.”

Fans and media noticed Mateer without the tape on Monday. It’s the first time a practice has been open for viewing since August, before the regular season began. A lot of eyes naturally made their way to Mateer, wanting to see how he looked after the team took some time off.

“Practice hasn’t been open since August(!) lol,” Sooner Scoop‘s Eddie Radosevich said via X. “But great point I honestly didn’t even think about. I think he did. Usually had it on during post practice interviews on Monday — or at least had the outline of the wrap from what I can remember.”

Mateer missed one game due to a thumb injury after initially thought to be out for around a month. Thankfully for the Sooners, surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin, plus an Oklahoma bye week, got him back on the field in time to face Texas. No serious complications have come ever since then as the Sooners roll into the CFP.

Seeing him go out there without tape could wind up being a huge boost, though. Mateer maintains he has been healthy throughout. However, Oklahoma would certainly enjoy seeing the player we saw in the first four games of the season. Getting a consistent downfield passing attack only elevates OU’s chances of making a deep run over the next month.

Kickoff from Gaylord Memorial Stadium in Norman is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Friday night. It’s a rematch of one of the SEC’s most entertaining games of the year. Alabama comes to town looking for revenge, while Oklahoma wants a third straight win over Kalen DeBoer‘s bunch, earning the program’s first win in the College Football Playoff.