Oklahoma QB John Mateer to bear hand surgical procedure

Oklahoma quarterback and early Heisman Trophy front-runner John Mateer will miss a couple of month after struggling a damaged bone in his proper (throwing) hand in Saturday’s win over Auburn, sources advised ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The Sooners introduced Mateer will bear surgical procedure, however didn’t disclose particulars of the damage or a timeline for return.

Mateer’s damage got here within the first quarter of the 24-17 win, the seventh-ranked Sooners’ second victory over an AP Top 25 crew this season.

Mateer is scheduled to bear the surgical procedure Wednesday in Los Angeles. Dr. Steven Shin will carry out the surgical procedure, sources advised Thamel. Shin, thought-about one of many nation’s main hand/wrist surgeons, has labored on Drew Brees, Stephen Curry and Mike Trout.

“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” coach Brent Venables mentioned. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”

Mateer’s damage is a large blow to the Sooners, who’re off to a 4-0 begin with wins over Michigan and Auburn.

Mateer, who transferred in from Washington State through the offseason, has been the catalyst behind Oklahoma’s stark turnaround after a 6-7 end in 2024.

He has accomplished 67.4% of his passes for 1,215 and 6 touchdowns. He’s additionally the Sooners’ main rusher with 190 yards and 5 extra touchdowns. Mateer ranks second nationally with 351.3 yards of complete offense per recreation.

Despite struggling the damage early in opposition to Auburn, he completed the sport and handed for 271 yards.

With his scorching begin, Mateer had emerged as the favourite to win the Heisman at +750, in accordance with ESPN BET Sportsbook. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza (+650) is the brand new favourite as of Tuesday.

Venables mentioned sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will begin Oklahoma’s subsequent recreation in opposition to Kent State on Oct. 4 Hawkins began 4 video games for the Sooners final season, passing for 783 yards and three touchdowns.

Oklahoma faces rival Texas on Oct. 11.

After a visit to South Carolina, the Sooners shut out the common season with 5 straight video games in opposition to ranked opponents: No. 13 Ole Miss, at No. 15 Tennessee, at No. 18 Alabama, No. 20 Missouri and No. 4 LSU.