Arch Manning injury update: Texas QB will start vs. Vanderbilt after clearing concussion protocol

Arch Manning will start against Vanderbilt after clearing concussion protocol, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian told On3’s Chris Low. Manning was taken off the SEC availability report Friday night.

Manning progressed well this week as he worked his way back from a concussion suffered in overtime of last week’s come-from-behind victory over Mississippi State. He did not start practicing until Wednesday, Sarkisian told ESPN’s Molly McGrath, but looked impressive when he eventually returned to the field.

Friday night, Manning officially came off the injury report, meaning he would be available for Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Sarkisian also confirmed he will get the start as he makes his return.

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.

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.

But he was trending well throughout the week leading up to the game against Vanderbilt. Sarkisian was optimistic he’d have the former top recruit at quarterback for the matchup.

“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.”

Sarkisian also told McGrath the extra rest is beneficial for Manning. That’s not just for his body to recover, but also for his mind since he was trying to get back on the field quickly.

“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,” McGrath said. “He wants to continue that momentum from a positive performance last weekend.”