Quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery Wednesday to address a right-hand injury, OU Athletic Communications announced.
Head coach Brent Venables announced in a Tuesday press release Mateer will undergo surgery on Wednesday but is expected to return later this season.
“After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Venables said. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward.”
Mateer was injured in the first quarter on Saturday but played the entire game.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will start when the Sooners host Kent State on Oct. 4.
“We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers,” Venables said. “He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better.”
Mateer has been one of the nation’s most productive quarterbacks through four games, ranking second nationally with 351.3 yards of total offense per contest. He has both thrown and rushed for at least one touchdown in 10 straight games, the longest active streak in the country and tied with former Louisville player Lamar Jackson for the third-longest since 2000.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Joshua McDaniel. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
