"Texas Quarterback Quinn Ewers Aims for Comeback Against Archrival Oklahoma"
Quinn Ewers is expected to make his return on October 12th when Texas takes on rival Oklahoma for the first time in the Southeastern Conference.
The Longhorns, currently ranked No. 2 with a record of 5-0 (1-0 SEC), have one healthy quarterback in Arch Manning. However, Ewers was reportedly close to being cleared to play last week after suffering an abdominal strain in the 56-7 win over UTSA on September 14th.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian stated that the team will take advantage of their bye week to allow Ewers to continue building strength before preparing for the Red River Rivalry game against the Sooners in Dallas.
\"He is currently in the process of rehabbing and has been making steady progress, which is a positive sign,\" Sarkisian said on Monday. \"We have not experienced any setbacks and his progress has been consistent. He is getting stronger, more comfortable, and more confident, so we will continue to follow this course.\"
On Saturday, Sarkisian made it clear that Ewers is a crucial part of the team after Manning led the Longhorns to a 35-13 victory over Mississippi State.
\"We need Quinn back because he is our quarterback and our leader,\" Sarkisian stated after Manning threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against the Bulldogs.
\"I believe this impacts the team's belief as a whole. However, what we have learned, and what Arch has learned in the last two and a half games, is that this team can rely on him as well... When Quinn returns, we will all be excited, but we also know that we have a valuable asset in Arch. He gained valuable experience in the last two and a half games.\"
Ewers led Texas to a win against Michigan on September 7th and has completed 73.4% of his passes for 691 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions this season. Despite missing the last two games, Sarkisian believes that Ewers will once again be in the running for the Heisman Trophy when he returns to the field.
\"(Ewers) will be in New York as a Heisman finalist, regardless of whether he wins or not. He has the potential to do so,\" Sarkisian said last week. \"I also believe that he has the potential to be a top-five pick in the NFL draft. All of these things are still within his reach. Not playing in this game on Saturday will not affect the three goals that we have set for him and that he is working towards.\"
Manning has thrown for 900 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, and has also rushed for three touchdowns.
