The first SEC Availability Report of the week leading up to the Red River Rivalry on Saturday not only revealed it’s possible Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer could play against Texas on Saturday, but what the actual chances are.
The Red River Rivalry will be 17 days since Mateer had surgery on his throwing hand, which he injured against Auburn on Sept. 20. Mateer was listed as questionable on the initial availability report Wednesday evening, which according to the SEC’s guidelines, means there’s a 50% chance that Mateer could return on Saturday after missing the No. 6 Sooners’ last game against Kent State.
Keontez Lewis, John Mateer injury update
OU head coach Brent Venables doubled-down early this week that he didn’t know what Mateer’s status would be, and during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, he said everyone would have to wait until that evening’s availability report to learn Mateer’s status.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Mateer’s return against Texas was possible, which mirrored a different report from just two days after Mateer’s surgery. Wednesday’s availability report confirmed Mateer playing against Texas is certainly still a possibility.
The initial Wednesday SEC Availability Report before the Red River Rivalry with John Mateer listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/BExjVEeyRd
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) October 9, 2025
Along with Mateer, OU wide receiver Keontez Lewis was also listed as questionable on Wednesday. Lewis crashed headfirst into the brick barrier behind the end zone at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the second play of the game against Kent State last week. He was down for over 10 minutes before getting carted off the field.
Despite the scary scene, Lewis fortunately avoided a serious injury and could apparently even return as early as the next week after what many initially feared was an incident that would sideline Lewis for a long time, especially after already taking another hard hit against Temple.
The Sooners will likely be without offensive tackle Logan Howland, who was listed as doubtful, plus offensive linemen Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor, and tight end Kade McIntyre were already ruled out for the Red River Rivalry.