John Mateer injury update: Oklahoma QB reportedly in line to attempt to play vs. Texas

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is “in line” to attempt to play against Texas this weekend, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Mateer’s hand, which was surgically repaired, will be monitored in the lead up to Saturday’s kickoff.

Thamel reiterated that there is “no certainty” that he’ll be able to suit up. He was listed as questionable on the Sooners’ Wednesday availability report, which will be updated later in the evening on Thursday and again on Friday.

The Sooners QB1 had what was described as a successful surgery on his hand following Oklahoma’s win over Auburn last month. It wasn’t clear whether he was going to be made available for the upcoming Red River Rivalry matchup based on the timing of the surgery.

He missed last week’s game against Kent State while in recovery. Backup Michael Hawkins earned the starting nod, helping to win the matchup 44-0 to help improve OU’s record to 5-0 this season.

Mateer was completing around 67% of his passing attempts before his procedure and had thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also the team’s leading rusher with 190 yards and five additional touchdowns.

Thamel’s report seems hopeful for his ability to play this weekend. However, Mateer’s head coach, Brent Venables, pumped the brakes on the notion that Mateer might be making his return earlier than anticipated.

“John is doing no good-on-good work,” Venables said. “It’s Michael and Whitt [Newbauer] right now. If something changes, I’ll let you know. But I think if you’re going to play, you’ve got to go good-on-good, right? Throw some skelly, hand the ball off, play on third downs.”

In the eventual 24-17 victory over Auburn when he suffered the injury, Mateer finished the game completing 24 of his 36 passing attempts for 271 yards and a touchdown. He also took 10 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown as OU came away with the hard-fought SEC win.

Notably, Mateer did not come out of the game after getting hurt. Many were surprised when it came out later that he suffered a broken bone in his throwing hand.

Regardless, it appears that Mateer is doing all he can to play against Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns in one of the most bitter rivalry matchups that college football has to offer. Kickoff from inside the Cotton Bowl is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC.