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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer is reportedly pushing to play in Saturday's (October 11) Red River Rivalry game against the Texas Longhorns, despite being less than three full weeks removed from undergoing surgery on his broken right (throwing) hand, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Pete Thamel on Tuesday (October 7).
"Sources: Oklahoma QB John Mateer is pushing to return this week for the game against Texas. There’s a belief that his return is possible, as he’s reacted well to surgery," Thamel wrote on his X account. "Mateer’s surgery on a broken bone in his right (throwing) hand took place nearly two weeks ago. Him playing against Texas would dovetail with the most optimistic return timelines, as he’d be 17 days out of surgery."
Mateer, who was the front runner for the Heisman Trophy at the time, suffered the injury during the first quarter of Oklahoma's game against Auburn on September 20 and was reported to have undergone surgery performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles on September 23. The junior, who transferred from Washington State this past offseason, finished the Auburn game despite the injury, throwing for 271 yards and one touchdown on 24 of 36 passing, while also recording 29 yards and one touchdown on 10 rushing attempts.
Mateer has thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions on 95 of 141 passing, while also recording 190 yards and five touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts. The Sooners are currently 5-0, having followed the Auburn win with a bye week and a 44-0 blowout win against Kent State on Saturday (October 4).