John Mateer injury update: Pete Thamel reveals how Oklahoma QB could get cleared to play vs. Texas

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was the clear-cut frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy earlier this season until he suffered a hand injury against Auburn that has kept him out of action for the past few weeks.

Mateer, who has reportedly been pushing to return for this weekend’s ‘Red River Rivalry’ matchup against Texas, was listed as “questionable” on Wednesday night’s SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report. Three days before kick-off, ESPN‘s Pete Thamel discussed Mateer’s availability on the latest edition of the ‘College GameDay Podcast‘.

“I would say that John Mateer is pushing to play and it’s a possibility that he will play,” Thamel said. “That will likely not be determined until the end of the week. Brent Venables said yesterday that he needs to play good on good, which is a sign that he has practiced but not practiced live.”

“If there’s one thing I know about Brent Venables, he is going to play this ruse out until the end, no matter which way it goes. That’s just how he’s operated over the years. Don’t expect directly from Oklahoma a lot of insight. He loves playing a bit of misdirection. There is a chance (Mateer plays) is what I’d say.”

Mateer’s return would be massive for Oklahoma in ‘Red River Rivalry’

Mateer transferred to Oklahoma from Washington State this offseason and helped the Sooners to a 4-0 start. He has passed for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 190 yards and five more scores in four games this season. He injured his hand during the Sooners’ 24-17 victory over Auburn, but finished the game.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables was noncommittal early this week on Mateer returning for the rivalry matchup. If he is unable to go, Michael Hawkins Jr. will make his second start of the season at quarterback for the Sooners.

“He’s going to push the limits on everything when it comes to his rehab and getting back,” Venables said earlier this week, per George Stoia of Sooner Scoop. “At the same time, I told him, you’re not going to defy the odds… You need to let those things heal.”

Texas leads the all-time series 64-51-5, but Oklahoma has won six of the last nine matchups. Kick-off for the latest edition of this rivalry game is set for 3:30 PM on ABC.