OU Notepad: No timeline for QB John Mateer’s return
There’s a lot up in the air right now for the Sooners.
The only thing they know for sure? OU quarterback John Mateer will be out for the foreseeable future, putting Michael Hawkins Jr. as the starter for the Kent State game on Oct. 4.
The Sooners announced that Mateer underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a right-hand injury that he suffered against Auburn last Saturday. When asked about a timeline for his return, Venables declined to give specifics.
“Not really interested in going through a timeline,” Venables said on the SEC’s weekly teleconference. “It’s not really important.
Hasn’t had the procedure yet. Has it today, we’ll see how everything goes and assess things from there. But, we’re getting Mike Hawkins ready for next week, that’s where our thoughts.”
Mateer suffered the injury early in the first quarter but stayed in the game, finishing with 271 passing yards and a touchdown in the Sooners’ 24-17 win. In Tuesday’s press release, Venables said Mateer is expected to return “sometime this season.”
In the meantime, Venables expressed his confidence in sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
Hawkins appeared in seven games last season and started four games, totaling 987 yards, four total scores and two interceptions. The Sooners had hoped to retain Hawkins’ redshirt this season, but with Mateer’s return uncertain, Hawkins will be the quarterback against Kent State and potentially for longer.
“I think he’s really grown when it comes to understanding offense and defense,” Venables said. “He’s picked up the offense really well and he’s got a lot of dynamic abilities. A tremendous athlete that’s also got great arm talent and he’s hungry and driven and got a great work ethic.
“So he’s a better version of himself in really every category from where he was a year ago, like you’d expect from every player on your roster.”
Eli Bowen, Javonnie Gibson return to practice
Venables confirmed Bowen and Gibson are back and practicing for the Sooners.
“They’re right on schedule,” Venables said. “I would expect them to be contributing in the immediate future.”
Gibson has yet to make his Sooner debut after breaking his leg during the spring. The return of Gibson, who had emerged as OU’s go-to receiver, would be huge for the offense, particularly with Mateer out.
Bowen emerged last season as arguably OU’s most consistent secondary player, but has yet to make his season debut with a foot injury. There’s optimism that Bowen and Gibson could both return for the Kent State game.