John Mateer injury update: Oklahoma QB reflects on rehab process, return vs. Texas

John Mateer learned a lot about himself in the 17 days between the surgery on his throwing hand and the Red River Rivalry. Despite making his swift comeback, the Oklahoma QB was unable to lead his Sooners to victory.

Mateer reflected on his rehab process following the 23-6 loss to Texas. He apologized after the game, stating that he may have been more prepared on the physical aspect of his return rather than on his mental.

“Everything was leading up to my preparation for this game and getting back for this game,” Mateer said. “And physically, I did well. I was dedicated to it and disciplined to it, and but mentally, or whatever you wanna say, I wasn’t prepared. That’s my fault.”

Mateer said that he didn’t feel pain in his hand while he was on the field, which is a good sign that he’ll be 100% moving forward. Still, the Oklahoma quarterback struggled throughout the Red River Rivalry matchup.

He finished the game completing 20 of his 38 passing attempts for 202 yards and three interceptions. It’s the first time this season where he failed to find the end zone, on the ground or in the air.

His performance is a one-off so far this season. Before he was injured, Mateer was beginning to gain a reputation as one of the most exciting players to watch in the country, let alone the SEC.

Before going down, Mateer had even emerged as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner during the early season. He opened the season with 1,215 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air while also adding 190 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground. Mateer’s 303.8 passing yards per game led the SEC coming into the Red River Rivalry.

His season stats stand at 1,417 passing yards and 195 rushing yards — the second leading rusher on his team. Mateer is now responsible for 11 touchdowns in his first year with the program after transferring in from Washington State.

Mateer will have another week to recover his hand before the Sooners hit the road for Columbia to take on South Carolina. To make things harder for OU, the Sooners’ next four matchups will be on the road. Moreover, after Week 8 — all five of their final opponents found themselves ranked in the AP Top 25 for Week 7.

Kickoff between the Sooners and Gamecocks is set for 12:45 p.m. ET. The SEC Network will carry the live broadcast.