John Mateer injury update: Update on Oklahoma QBs surgery, chance to play vs. Texas

On Wednesday, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer underwent surgery on his right thumb. Many analysts initially predicted Mateer to be out for at least three weeks, which would sideline him for Oklahoma’s game against Texas on Oct. 11. However, on Friday, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz provided an optimistic update on Mateer’s return timeline.

“The feeling is the surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin went very well,” Zenitz wrote on X. “It’s too early to tell how realistic this is but there seems to be at least an outside chance Mateer could be back as early as OU’s game vs. Texas Oct. 11.”

Zenitz’s report echoes what On3’s Pete Nakos wrote on X Tuesday: “There’s some hope Oklahoma QB John Mateer could be back for Red River, but the recovery process will be critical.” On Thursday, Mateer confirmed the surgery went well with a post on X.

“Thank God for a successful procedure. Dr. Shin is the GOAT. BOOMER SOONER!!” Mateer wrote.

Oklahoma can’t get Mateer back soon enough. The Sooners are 4-0 this season and Mateer was a Heisman frontrunner before his injury.

John Mateer boasts 1,215 passing yards and six touchdowns this season, compared to three interceptions. Mateer’s legs may be even more impressive than his arm. He’s racked up 190 yards and five touchdowns in the ground game this fall.

Oklahoma has a bye this weekend and should be able to survive in Week 6 against Kent State without Mateer. Alas, Mateer being healthy for the Red River Rivalry game would be pivotal to the Sooners’ season.

If Oklahoma can down Texas in Week 7, it’ll have a legitimate chance to make its first College Football Playoff appearance under head coach Brent Venables. The 54-year-old HC is remaining optimistic as Mateer works to get back on the gridiron.

“I’ve got faith in our football team, and I hate that for John, certainly,” Venables said. “But it’s been good. Again, in the spirit of the team, we’ve got a bunch of guys that are highly invested.

“Most teams are going to face some type of adversity, whether it’s in a game, or an injury to your roster. You’ve gotta move forward and gotta get better from it. And again, if we’re who I believe we are, we’ll continue to keep our head down and work and get better.”

Michael Hawkins Jr. will be OU’s starting quarterback until Mateer returns. Hawkins played in seven games for the Sooners as a freshman last season.