Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is questionable for Saturday’s game with an oblique strain, opening the door for sophomore backup Arch Manning to lead the No. 1-ranked Longhorns against Louisiana-Monroe.
Coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday that Ewers’ abdominal injury happened on a non-contact play. Manning had four touchdown passes and a 67-yard TD run in relief of Ewers in Texas’ 56-7 weekend win over UTSA.
“We’re going to monitor him day to day and see what this looks like. But he would be questionable for Saturday on the report for next week,” Sarkisian said of Ewers’ status.
Even if Manning takes the QB1 reps in practice, there’s still a chance Ewers would play if he is medically cleared. Sarkisian said Ewers’ makeup and professional approach to the position leaves the door open for his return.
“He’s always staying dialed in,” Sarkisian said of Ewers. “Even when he’s healthy and the twos go in, he’s always watching the twos. He’s always taking the mental reps. I think that’s the natural trait he has.”
When it comes down to naming a starter for Texas (3-0) against Louisiana-Monroe (2-0) on Saturday night, Sarkisian said both quarterbacks just want what’s best for the team.
Texas hosts ULM and Mississippi State in Austin before a bye week ahead of the annual Red River Rivalry game on Oct. 12 against Oklahoma. The Longhorns host No. 2 Georgia the following Saturday (Oct. 19).
“Arch is a selfless teammate,” Sarkisian said. “He cares about the guys on the team. He cares about Quinn. They’ve got a great relationship. He works his tail off. He wants to play good football for them because he knows how hard everybody’s working.”
