Oklahoma QB Mateer to undergo surgery on right throwing hand

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery on his right throwing hand on Wednesday after suffering a broken bone in the first quarter of Saturday night’s 24-17 victory over Auburn, the university announced Tuesday. The program said Mateer, who led the Sooners to a 4-0 start and had become an early Heisman Trophy favorite, is expected to miss some game action but should return at some point this season.

Head coach Brent Venables said the decision to operate followed consultations with medical experts and was taken in the best long-term interest of Mateer. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward,” Venables said in the team statement. “As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”

Mateer sustained the injury in the first quarter but played through it, completing 24 of 36 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 29 yards and another score in the win. Through four games this season the transfer from Washington State has compiled 1,215 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and three interceptions, and...