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Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, is set to undergo surgery on his right throwing hand, a significant setback for the Sooners’ offense.
While Mateer is expected to return this season, his absence will challenge the team as they strive to maintain their perfect record.
In an announcement made on Tuesday, head coach Brent Venables revealed the news about Mateer’s injury, which came as a surprise following the Sooners’ 24-17 victory over Auburn.
Oklahoma currently stands at an impressive 4-0 at the start of the season.
Venables stated, “After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future. He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward.”
He added that Mateer is committed to his rehabilitation process and will work diligently to return to the field as quickly as possible.
Reports indicate that Mateer is dealing with a broken bone in his right hand, although the circumstances surrounding the injury remain unclear. Sources suggest he is likely to miss approximately a month of action.
Oklahoma disclosed that the injury occurred during the first quarter of their recent win against Auburn, despite Mateer continuing to play throughout the game. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 271 yards, including a touchdown, and contributed to the score with a rushing touchdown.
Fortunately for the Sooners, they have a bye week ahead, with no game scheduled for this Saturday. Backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who is a sophomore, is anticipated to fill in as the starter against Kent State on October 4.
This means that Mateer will also be sidelined during the much-anticipated Red River Rivalry matchup against Texas on October 11.
Losing a potential Heisman finalist has serious implications for Oklahoma, especially with SEC standings and College Football Playoff spots on the line. The Sooners will depend on Hawkins to step up in Mateer’s absence.
Post the Texas game, Oklahoma is set to face a challenging lineup that includes South Carolina and a series of ranked opponents: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri, and LSU.
Mateer, who transferred to Oklahoma after three seasons at Washington State, currently leads the SEC in passing yards with 1,215 and completions with 95 over the first four games of this season.
As the team prepares for the upcoming challenges, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Sooners adapt without their star quarterback.
While the road ahead appears daunting, it offers an opportunity for Oklahoma to showcase its depth and resilience in facing formidable opponents in the coming weeks.
