Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during his team's game against Michigan.

For much of the week leading up to Oklahoma's annual rivalry matchup with Texas, there were questions, not just about who would win the game and what the ramifications of the final score might be, but whether a particular player would be able to take the field.

To be fair, John Mateer's not just any player.

The Sooners quarterback, a Washington State transfer in his first season with the program, has been one of the catalysts of the program's turnaround this season, helping lead it to No. 6 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and becoming one of the leading contenders for the Heisman Trophy. After Oklahoma's 24-17 win over Auburn on Sept. 20, though, Mateer underwent surgery on his right (throwing) hand, a procedure that sidelined him for the Sooners' Oct. 4 victory against Kent State.

For weeks, speculation mounted over when Mateer might return and if he would be back for the Red River Rivalry. Interest was so intense that a California hand surgeon and a Chipotle tortilla presser briefly became two of the most prominent figures in Oklahoma.

Now, with the Sooners and Longhorns hours away from kicking off from the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 11, we have something closer to an answer on Mateer.

The Oklahoma quarterback was not listed on the latest SEC athlete availability report, which was released Saturday afternoon, meaning that Mateer is available to play for the Sooners.

The designation doesn't necessarily mean that Mateer will play. If anything, it could be some gamesmanship from coach Brent Venables and the Oklahoma staff, trying to get Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian to have to prepare for every option at quarterback until the last possible second.

It may be more than just a stunt, though. Mateer was seen warming up on the field and throwing in the leadup to Saturday's game in Dallas.

Mateer has 1,215 passing yards with six touchdowns to three interceptions this season, also rushing for 190 yards with five more scores. He scored 44 total touchdowns at Washington State in 2024.

Having Mateer back would be a huge boost for the Sooners, although Venables and his staff have expressed confidence in backup Michael Hawkins Jr.

Here's what to know of Mateer's injury ahead of the Red River Rivalry.

John Mateer injury update: What we know

Mateer is now available for Saturday's game after being listed as probable — and, before that, questionable — on the SEC availability report.

While he's available, it's not a guarantee he'll start or even play for the Sooners. Venables kept information on Mateer's status close to his vest in the days leading up to the game.

Venables declined to offer insight on how Mateer would be listed on the initial availability report during his SEC teleconference call on Oct. 8. He also avoided multiple questions on Mateer during his weekly news conference on Oct. 7.

"He's doing his normal protocol. He's done zero good-on-good work," Venables said Tuesday. " ... John is doing no good-on-good work. So it's Michael (Hawkins Jr.) and Whitt (Newbauer) right now."

Venables also said: "I don't know anything about the injury. When they tell me he's available, I'll let you know."

A return against Texas would mark just 17 days since he flew to Los Angeles for the operation by renowned surgeon Dr. Steven Shin.

Oklahoma practiced inside on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of the Red River Rivalry.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Is John Mateer playing? Oklahoma QB available to play vs Texas in Red River Rivalry

Reporting by Austin Curtright and Craig Meyer, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY Sports

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