Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has been upgraded to probable on the SEC availability report, a signal he’s set to attempt to play against Texas on Saturday just 17 days after surgery on a broken bone on his throwing hand.
Mateer’s push to return this week has continued this week, with sources telling ESPN that he’s continued to practice and has progressed enough to put himself in position to attempt to play. Sources told ESPN earlier on Thursday that Mateer was on track to attempt to play Saturday.
The ambiguity over Mateer’s ability to both play and thrive is expected to run up until kickoff, as sources told ESPN that Mateer’s pain level and ability to grip the ball will be watched closely.
A return to the field against Texas would be in line with the most aggressive timelines of a potential comeback.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables began the week by saying on Monday that he assumed Mateer wouldn’t be available. OU listed Mateer as questionable on the first SEC availability report on Wednesday and Venables has remained evasive on Mateer’s potential availability. On Thursday, he was upgraded to probable.
Mateer emerged as Heisman favorite in first month of the season. He injured the hand in the first quarter of a 24-17 win over Auburn on Sept. 20. He played the rest of the game and threw for 271 yards.
He’s missed just one game since surgery on Sept. 24, as OU had a bye and blew out Kent State 44-0. Michael Hawkins Jr. started in the Kent game and threw three touchdown passes.
