With less than 20 days post-surgery for a broken bone in his right hand, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is gearing up to potentially take the field this Saturday against Texas. The Washington State transfer has been marked as probable for the last two days on the SEC availability report, indicating a positive trajectory in his recovery.
Sources have informed On3 that following his surgery, Mateer shared his determination with teammates and staff, making it clear that his goal was to return and play against Texas. The condition of John Mateer’s right hand will be crucial as game day approaches. Earlier this week, a source described his hand as “iffy,” but recent updates suggest he is making significant progress leading up to the highly anticipated matchup.
Many insiders believe that, barring any setbacks, Mateer is on track to play in the historic Red River Rivalry against Texas. However, the final decision will hinge on how his hand feels during pregame warmups on Saturday. The importance of these warmups cannot be overstated, as they will ultimately determine his availability for the game.
If Mateer does indeed suit up, it will be a testament to his aggressive recovery plan. One source mentioned earlier in the week expressed optimism regarding Mateer's chances of playing, highlighting the impressive strides he has made since the injury.
John Mateer sustained the injury during the first quarter of the recent game against Auburn. Despite the setback, he continued to play and delivered an impressive performance, completing 24 of 36 passes for 271 yards and one touchdown. His efforts were pivotal in securing a victory for the Sooners, culminating in a thrilling fourth-quarter drive that clinched the win.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has been somewhat reserved regarding the specifics of Mateer's injury. Initially, he assumed that the quarterback would be unavailable and noted that Mateer had not participated in any good-on-good work during practice. Nonetheless, Mateer's emergence as a Heisman frontrunner in September adds an extra layer of intrigue to his potential return.
As the Sooners prepare for this crucial matchup against Texas, all eyes will be on John Mateer to see if he can overcome his injury and lead his team on the field. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how this storyline unfolds in one of college football's most storied rivalries.
