The Sooners QB is getting back to full strength.
Oklahoma's Brent Venables reveals John Mateer's injury status before CFP first round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer appears closer to full strength heading into the College Football Playoff, and head coach Brent Venables provided a positive update on his status ahead of the Sooners’ matchup with Alabama on Friday.
Mateer has played with a protective wrap on his right throwing hand since breaking it during Oklahoma’s Sept. 20 game against Auburn.
During a brief media viewing of practice Monday, Mateer was seen throwing without the wrap for the first time in more than two months. It has been roughly two and a half months since he underwent surgery.
“If you asked him, he still has some soreness, so he’s not pain-free,” Venables said Wednesday during his virtual availability. “From a stability standpoint, he’s better than he’s been and gripping the ball and things like that.”
Mateer’s production has reflected the injury. For the season, he has thrown for 2,578 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 62.1% of his passes. Prior to the injury, he was noticeably sharper, throwing for 1,215 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 67.3%.
Mateer said Monday that repetition has been key to rebuilding confidence and precision ahead of the CFP opener.
If Oklahoma is going to beat Alabama, it will likely need Mateer to resemble the quarterback he was early in the season. With three weeks to heal and prepare, the Sooners are hopeful he can deliver his best performance when it matters most.
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