Heisman Frontrunner John Mateer To Undergo Surgery

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback and current Heisman Trophy frontrunner John Mateer is reportedly expected to miss about a month of play after suffering a broken hand during Saturday's (September 20) win against Auburn, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Pete Thamel on Tuesday (September 23).

"Sources: John Mateer’s injury is a broken bone in his right (throwing) hand that he suffered in the first quarter against Auburn on Saturday night. The estimated timeline after surgery is expected to be about a month, as the surgery is considered straight-forward," Thamel wrote. "He’s set to have the surgery in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Dr. Steven Shin will perform the surgery. He’s considered one of the country's leading hand/wrist surgeons. He’s worked on Drew Brees, Steph Curry and Mike Trout."

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables also confirmed Mateer's scheduled surgery.

"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 via ESPN. "He's extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible."

Mateer finished Saturday's game despite the injury, throwing for 271 yards and one touchdown on 24 of 36 passing, while also recording 29 yards and one touchdown on 10 rushing attempts. The junior, who transferred from Washington State this past offseason, has thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions on 95 of 141 passing, while also recording 190 yards and five touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts.

The Sooners are currently 4-0, having moved up four spots in the Week 5 Associated Press Top 25 College Football Poll, following wins against then-No. 15 Michigan in Week 2 and then-No. 22 Auburn in Week 4. Oklahoma is entering its bye week before a matchup against Kent State on October 4 and arch rival Texas on October 11.