NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer had what some might consider an early Heisman Trophy moment when he scored the go-ahead touchdown against Auburn on a dramatic 9-yard run late in a 24-17 win.

Unknown at the time, the hand he carried the ball with on that play –- the right hand he uses to throw — was injured badly enough in the first quarter to require surgery.

Mateer tweeted Thursday that the procedure was successful , and the team expects him to return this season. Though the situation is not ideal for the seventh-ranked Sooners, they remain confident as backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. steps in.

Hawkins, a sophomore, started four games last season, including a win at Auburn and a solid performance in the Armed Forces Bowl . The Sooners have a bye this

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