John Mateer now listed as 'probable' to play against Texas
It sure appears as if Oklahoma’s quarterback will return this weekend.
Sooners’ starting quarterback John Mateer is listed as “probable” to play against Texas this weekend, per the latest SEC Availability Report on Thursday. Per SEC guidelines, players listed as probable are “likely to play, barring any setbacks.”
It’s a huge development for the Sooners heading into Saturday’s Red River Rivalry (2:30 p.m. ABC).
Mateer’s status for this weekend has been one of the biggest topics in college football. Mateer underwent surgery on his right thumb late last month, which forced him to miss the Sooners’ 44-0 win over Kent State last weekend, and there has been no timetable for his return.
Signs have been pointing towards him suiting up this weekend, though OU head coach Brent Venables slowed that momentum during his media availabilities this weekend. The Longhorns opened the week as 5.5-point betting favorites, but the line has moved significantly throughout the week, indicating belief that Mateer will play.
However, it now appears that Mateer will be back, barring any setbacks before the game. The SEC will release additional availability reports on Friday and 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday.
Mateer has thrown for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes, adding 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
The remainder of the availability report for both teams remain unchanged from Wednesday’s initial report. OU receiver Keontez Lewis is still listed as questionable to play this weekend.