Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will start Saturday against TCU, coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday. Ewers missed the last two games after suffering a right shoulder injury on Oct. 21 in a 31-24 win over Houston. Here’s what you need to know:
- Ewers was deemed “week to week” by Sarkisian after the injury but was said to be “day to day” Monday.
- Sarkisian said Ewers is not limited physically in any way and “looked great” in practice Thursday.
- Ewers is second in the Big 12 in passer rating (163.73), completion percentage (70.9) and passing yards per game (273.6) this season. He has thrown for 1,915 yards and 13 touchdowns with three interceptions.
- Redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy threw for 418 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions on 35-of-62 passing in two starts — both wins — in place of Ewers.
What Ewers’ return means for Texas
It’s huge news for No. 7 Texas (8-1) which is in control of its Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff chances. Murphy showed flashes of his talent and potential but his inexperience — he attempted only eight career passes before starting the last two games — was evident in some of the mistakes and turnovers that surfaced. Texas survived, but getting Ewers back healthy will do wonders for an offense that is brimming with skill position talent.
Before his injury, Ewers seemed to be hitting a stride. He had four consecutive games in which he completed at least 70 percent of his attempts, the longest such streak in his young career. If Ewers can remain healthy and return to that level for the final three games, it lifts the Longhorns’ chances of getting to the Big 12 title game and remaining in the Playoff race.
What Sarkisian said
“(Quinn’s) had a great week of practice,” Sarkisian said. “I feel very comfortable in his ability to operate the offense. He, his family, our medical team feel very good about where he’s at health-wise, so we’re looking forward to having him back.”
Sarkisian added: “He got stronger as the week went on, really throwing the ball. … (In) the last two days, I didn’t feel like there was a throw he couldn’t make. He made all the throws in a very comfortable fashion.”
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(Photo: Maria Lysaker / USA Today)
