John Mateer harm: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables ‘assuming’ Sooners QB will not play subsequent week vs. Texas

Although Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was in uniform for his crew’s 44-0 win over Kent State on Saturday, it is unclear how shut he’s to returning to the sphere. Mateer continues to be recovering from hand surgical procedure to appropriate an harm he suffered in a September win towards Auburn. 

After the win, Sooners coach Brent Venables mentioned that he is “assuming” Mateer will not have the ability to go in Oklahoma’s Pink River conflict towards rival Texas subsequent week. Venables additionally expressed confidence in Michael Hawkins Jr., who began towards the Longhorns final season after Oklahoma benched former starter Jackson Arnold. 

“He had some expertise taking part in in there final 12 months,” Venables mentioned. “Actually, the mindset is not any totally different than it was going into as we speak. We have to play effectively within the areas that we’re in management: taking good care of the ball, making layups once they’re there, not attempting to do an excessive amount of. We have got to be the sum of all of our components as a soccer crew… However I really feel nice about Mike.” 

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Previous to struggling the hand harm, Mateer established himself as a reliable Heisman Trophy contender whereas guiding the Sooners to a 4-0 file. The Washington State switch rushed for a minimum of one landing in every of his 4 begins and threw for 1,215 yards and 6 touchdowns. 

On his radio present earlier within the week, Venables harassed that Mateer should not push himself too exhausting to return again for the Texas sport when there is a lengthy season forward. 

“He’ll push the bounds on every part in the case of his rehab and getting again,” Venables mentioned. “On the similar time, I informed him, you are not going to defy the percentages… It’s good to let these issues heal.”

On Saturday, Hawkins accomplished 14 of his 24 go makes an attempt for 162 yards and three touchdowns whereas including 33 yards and one other landing on the bottom. 

Hawkins threw for 783 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for one more landing in 4 begins final season. He was held to only 148 yards passing on 30 makes an attempt towards Texas.