Oklahoma QB John Mateer Probable to Play vs Texas

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was upgraded to probable on the Sooners' injury report Thursday and is expected to attempt to play in Saturday's Red River Rivalry against Texas after undergoing surgery on his right hand two weeks ago, team officials said. Mateer fractured a bone in his throwing hand during Oklahoma's Sept. 20 win over Auburn, had surgery Sept. 24 and missed last weekend's 44-0 victory over Kent State.

The potential comeback comes after a week of mixed signals from the Oklahoma program. Mateer was listed as questionable earlier in the week and was in uniform at the Kent State game, although he did not take part in pregame warmups. Head coach Brent Venables has emphasized that medical staff will determine Mateer's readiness, saying he would "lean on the doctors" and noting the quarterback had not taken full-speed practice reps against the first-string defense since the injury. When asked more directly about next week's starter, Venables said, "I'm assuming he can't," but also expressed confidence in backup Michael Hawkins Jr., adding, "I feel great about Mike."

If Mateer is unable to play, Hawkins has shown he can run Oklahoma's offense. The sophomore started...