Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was the last player Sooner Nation wanted injured, but he’s also the first type of player fans want to be pushing to come back from an injury.
Mateer injured his throwing hand in the first quarter against Auburn on Sept. 20, and there’s still no firm timeframe on his return after having surgery last week. But even if there was a timeline, it doesn’t seem like it would matter to Mateer.
Brent Venables shares John Mateer injury update
Went back and found my shot of John Mateer's injury against Auburn
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) September 23, 2025
Watch it closely on the slow-mo replay - his hand/thumb smacks right on the forearm of Auburn DE Keldric Faulk pic.twitter.com/3cNvT4uczC
OU head coach Brent Venables during his coach’s show on Monday night still didn’t provide an official timeframe, but he did share details about Mateer during his recovery process.
“From the very beginning, he’s out there stretching with the guys,” Venables said. “He’s going to push the limits on everything when it comes to his rehab and getting back. At the same time, I told him, ‘You’re not going to defy the odds… You need to let those things heal.’
“He’ll be good. He’ll be one of those guys who broke the record (for quickest return), if you will.”
After Sooner Nation feared last season that players remained sidelined even when they could have played, that’s the opposite worry Venables has with Mateer.
Mateer’s toughness was already proven when he broke a bone in his right hand in the first quarter, but still finished the game and scored a game-winning touchdown while completing his final 11 passes. Teammates admitted later that they never even knew Mateer was seriously injured during the game.
It’s been confirmed already that Mateer will be out for OU’s next game against Kent State on Saturday, as sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will take over at quarterback. The Golden Flashes aren’t a concern, though. What fans really want to know is if Mateer will be ready for the Red River Rivalry against Texas the next week on Oct. 11.
Matt Zenits of CBS Sports reported via X on Friday there’s an “outside chance” that Mateer plays in the Red River Rivalry. Although that report didn’t sound all that promising, it’s apparent that whatever the true timeline is, Mateer will do all he can to shorten it.
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