Oklahoma QB John Mateer listed as questionable vs. Texas
NORMAN — Oklahoma gave the first real glimpse Wednesday into John Mateer’s availability for the Red River Rivalry this weekend.
The star quarterback was listed as “questionable” on the SEC Availability Report for Saturday’s clash with Texas. A questionable designation indicates a player is “uncertain to play due to injury or condition.”
Mateer underwent surgery on his right thumb in late September, which forced him to miss the Sooners’ 44-0 win over Kent State last weekend. The Sooners have not provided a timetable for Mateer’s return.
The availability report would suggest Mateer’s status is truly up in the air for this weekend (2:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC).
OU head coach Brent Venables has not indicated Mateer’s status either way in his media availabilities this week. During Monday’s Coaches Show, Venables said he didn’t know when Mateer would return. He was non-committal when asked about Mateer’s recovery multiple times during Tuesday’s press conference.
“He’s doing his normal protocol,” Venables said. “He’s done zero good on good work.
“So, it’s Michael (Hawkins Jr.) and Whitt (Newbauer) right now. If something changes, I’ll let you know. But I think if you’re gonna play, you’ve gotta do good on good, right? Throw some skelly. Hand the ball off. Play on third downs.”
However, there has been momentum towards Mateer playing against Texas. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that Mateer is “pushing to return” this week. The betting line has also moved towards Oklahoma through the course of the week, indicating there is anticipation that Mateer will return.
Mateer has thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 67% of his passes, adding 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
If Mateer is unable to play, Hawkins will draw his second consecutive start. Hawkins finished with 195 total yards and four touchdowns in the win over Kent State. The No. 6-ranked Sooners (5-0, 1-0 SEC) are currently a 1.5-point underdog against the Longhorns (3-2, 0-1 SEC).
The SEC will release additional availability reports on Thursday and Friday, as well as 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday.
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