Texas could welcome back Quinn Ewers before its biggest games of the season.
After leading a decisive Week 2 win at Michigan, Ewers suffered an oblique strain in the Longhorns’ ensuing game against UTSA. Arch Manning has filled in admirably, maintaining the team’s undefeated start while accounting for 10 touchdowns in three games.
Following blowout wins over Louisiana Monroe and Mississippi State, Texas has a week off to prepare for its Red River Rivalry showdown against Oklahoma on Oct. 12. The Longhorns appear poised to welcome back Ewers for the feud’s inaugural matchup as SEC members.
According to Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods, Ewers practiced with first-team reps on Tuesday.
“Quinn is playing,” a source told Richardson regarding Saturday’s game. “No way he misses this game or the rest of the season. He wants to win the SEC and a Natty.”
Although Manning has played well in Ewers’ absence, Steve Sarkisian has made clear that there’s no quarterback controversy once his starter is healthy.
“We need Quinn back ’cause he’s our quarterback and he’s our leader,” Sarkisian said after Saturday’s win, per CBS Austin’s Bob Ballou. “I think that impacts the entire team and belief. But I think what we learned, and what Arch earned here over the last two and a half games, is this team can count on him too.”
Before getting hurt, Ewers looked like an early Heisman contender. The junior averaged 8.7 yards per pass with eight touchdowns and a 175.2 quarterback rating.
He could return just in time for the two biggest games on the calendar. After facing Oklahoma, Texas will host Georgia in a matchup with substantial SEC and College Football Playoff implications.
Ewers completed 31 of 37 passes for 346 yards against Oklahoma last season, but he threw two interceptions in the team’s only loss of the regular season. He’ll be eager to avenge that outcome if returning next Saturday.
Related: Texas Has Already Made Decision On Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers Controversy