AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that quarterback Quinn Ewers is “questionable” for Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe with an abdominal strain.
He suffered the injury in the second quarter of the 56-7 win over UTSA and didn’t return. It was the first time backup Arch Manning had been pressed into action, and he filled in tremendously.
Once the Southeastern Conference schedule begins next week, schools must disclose injuries and player status in a report every Wednesday. Sarkisian said that Ewers would get a questionable designation if those reports were required before SEC play.
“We’re going to monitor day-to-day and see what this looks like,” he said. “On the flip side, it was a great opportunity for Arch. He performed really well.”
Manning was 9 of 12 passing for 223 yards with four touchdowns and he added a 67-yard rushing touchdown in the blowout victory. He earned the SEC co-freshman of the week honor for his performance against the Roadrunners.
Before leaving the game, Ewers was 14 of 16 passing for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. If Ewers can’t go against the Warhawks on Saturday, Manning will be the starter.
When he’s been hurt the past two seasons, Ewers has a track record of playing well upon return. He led the Longhorns to a 49-0 win over Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown two seasons ago coming back from a shoulder injury, and last season the Longhorns beat TCU 29-26 in his return. Ewers threw for 317 yards against the Horned Frogs.
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“The one thing about Quinn is that he always stayed dialed in,” Sarkisian said. “When he’s out, he always gets the mental reps and prepares like he’s going to play. He’s also diligent with his recovery, so when he comes back, he performs at a high level.”
With the big victory and Georgia’s 13-12 narrow win over Kentucky, voters in the Associated Press Top 25 poll moved the Longhorns over the Bulldogs to the No. 1 spot. It’s the first time since 2008 that the Longhorns have occupied the top spot in the poll.