Oklahoma QB John Mateer to undergo surgery for right-hand injury
NORMAN — Oklahoma coach Brent Venables announced Tuesday that starting quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery on a right-hand injury.
Mateer suffered the injury during the first quarter of Saturday’s 24-17 win over Auburn. He will undergo surgery on Wednesday, and the expectation is that Mateer will return “sometime this season,” according to a press release.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will be the starter for the Sooners’ game against Kent State on Oct. 4.
“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Venables said in a statement. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”
It’s a massive blow for the Sooners and Mateer, who emerged as an early Heisman Trophy candidate as the team has won its first four games to open the season. Mateer has thrown for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns while completing 67.4% of his passes, adding 190 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Mateer has been one of the most explosive quarterbacks in football this season, ranking second in the country in passes of 20-plus yards (22) while averaging 12.8 yards per completion. He ranks second in the country in total offense (351.3 yards per game).
The No. 7-ranked Sooners have a bye this weekend before returning to action against Kent State. The Sooners will then head to Dallas to take on Texas for the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 11. It’s unclear if Mateer will return for that game.
Hawkins has appeared in one game this season. He started four games last season, racking up 987 total yards and four touchdowns in seven appearances. Earlier this month, Venables said the plan was to preserve Hawkins’ ability to redshirt. Hawkins can appear in a maximum of four games this season and still retain his redshirt.
“”We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers,” said Venables. “He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better. I’m proud of the work Michael’s put in and the progress he’s made, and know he will attack this opportunity to help lead our football team.”
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