Arch Manning injury update: Steve Sarkisian, Texas 'hopeful' QB will play vs. Vanderbilt

There’s a sense of optimism that Texas quarterback Arch Manning could be able to play Saturday against Vanderbilt, according to ESPN’s Molly McGrath. On3’s Chris Low, Brett McMurphy and Pete Nakos reported Manning is expected to be a game-time decision.

Steve Sarkisian told McGrath the Longhorns are “hopeful” they will have their quarterback for Saturday’s game. Manning went down in overtime of Texas’ victory over Mississippi State last week and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Sarkisian said Texas’ team doctors will evaluate Manning again before kickoff before deciding his status. He told ESPN that the former top recruit does not have any symptoms and has been doing well in his recovery.

“I think his chances look really good,” McGrath said Friday on SportsCenter. “We met with their head coach, Steve Sarkisian, just moments ago and he told us that things continue to trend positively for their quarterback, Arch Manning, after he suffered a concussion in overtime in last week’s game. He said that Manning has not suffered any setbacks this week. Doesn’t have any symptoms.

“They’ll continue to monitor him and he’s going to meet with doctors first thing on Saturday morning before the game to determine his final availability. But the Longhorns are hopeful that Manning will be available for this game.”

Arch Manning limited in practice this week

Steve Sarkisian also said Arch Manning didn’t start practicing until Wednesday. However, once he got back on the field, he impressed members of the staff with how he bounced back.

“He was limited in practice this week,” McGrath said. “Didn’t practice until Wednesday, but Sark said that when he did practice, he shocked people with how good he looked, how well he practiced.

“He said that that extra rest early in the week was good for his body and mind – his body because he’s fresh and his mind because he was chomping at the bit to get back on the field, lobbying with their team doctors to let him practice on Tuesday, but they didn’t let him. He wants to continue that momentum from a positive performance last weekend.”

Manning hit the ground hard in last week’s victory and headed to the tent with assistance from the Texas training staff. He did not return as the Longhorns completed the come-from-behind victory over Mississippi State, taking down the Bulldogs 45-38 at Davis Wade Stadium.

Manning had a strong day prior to his departure and helped Texas get back in the game. He went 29 of 46 for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown.

Texas improved to 6-2 on the year with the win and will look to keep it going on Saturday. The Longhorns will square off against Vanderbilt Saturday at Noon ET. It will mark their first game a DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in 42 days.