Oklahoma QB John Mater to Undergo Hand Surgery

Oklahoma’s quarterback, John Mater, will have surgery on his right hand following an injury sustained during the recent victory over Auburn. Coach Brent Venables shared this news on Tuesday, noting that it’s quite unexpected given the strong performance Mater had.

Venables mentioned that there’s hope for Mater to return later this season, though it’s still unclear when that might be.

“After talking to a medical professional, it became apparent that surgery is the best route for John’s short- and long-term health,” the coach told reporters. “He’s obviously upset about missing game time, but he’s eager to address the problem and get back on track. We know he’ll approach his rehab with determination, so he can return as soon as possible.”

The injury occurred during the first quarter, yet Mater managed to continue playing for the rest of the game, ultimately racking up 271 passing yards and a touchdown, even adding another score in the fourth quarter. It’s impressive, really.

This season, Mater has already passed for 1,215 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions, helping lead the Sooners to a perfect 4-0 record. There’s a lot of anticipation, as he was viewed as an early contender for the Heisman, but a prolonged absence would certainly impact that.

As the Sooners prepare for their upcoming game against Kent State on October 4th, they’ll turn to sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. to take over the quarterback duties. Venables expressed confidence in Hawkins, saying, “We’re excited for him to step up while John recovers. He had some significant moments last season as a true freshman and continues to improve. I’m really proud of the progress he’s made.”