Texas QB Quinn Ewers Battling Through Injury as Arch Manning Waits in the Wings
The Texas Longhorns are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against No. 20 Texas A&M this Saturday, but all eyes are on quarterback Quinn Ewers as he fights to stay on the field despite a high-ankle sprain. According to sources, Ewers is expected to start for the No. 3 Longhorns, but he’s far from 100%. Listed as probable on the SEC injury report, the star QB has been rehabbing tirelessly after sustaining the injury during last weekend’s victory over Kentucky.
In that game, Ewers’ mobility was clearly hampered, forcing Texas to lean heavily on their ground game. In fact, after Ewers went down, the Longhorns ran the ball on all 15 plays of an 86-yard drive in the second half. While the strategy worked against Kentucky, the stakes are much higher this week as Texas faces their in-state rivals in a game with major playoff implications.
Arch Manning: The Wild Card
With Ewers’ mobility limited, the door is slightly ajar for backup quarterback Arch Manning to make an impact. Manning, the highly-touted freshman and member of football’s royal family, has reportedly seen an increase in practice reps this week. While Ewers is still expected to start, don’t be surprised if Manning gets a few snaps, particularly in run-heavy situations where his athleticism could shine.
Texas A&M has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks this season, which could make Manning’s skill set a valuable asset. For example, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers torched the Aggies for 106 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 44-20 blowout. Similarly, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard ran for 63 yards in the Irish’s season-opening win over Texas A&M. If Ewers can’t move effectively, Manning’s ability to extend plays with his legs could be a game-changer.
Ewers’ Season So Far
Despite the injury, Ewers has been a key reason for Texas’ success this season. The sophomore has thrown for 23 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 68% of his passes. He’s racked up 2,089 passing yards, showcasing his ability to lead one of the nation’s top offenses. However, the high-ankle sprain raises questions about how effective he can be against a Texas A&M defense that will undoubtedly look to exploit his limited mobility.
What’s at Stake?
This game is more than just a rivalry—it’s a battle for bragging rights and a potential playoff spot. Texas is currently ranked No. 3, and a win would solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country. On the other hand, Texas A&M, ranked No. 20, is looking to play spoiler and make a statement in front of their home crowd.
Here’s what to watch for on Saturday night:
- Quinn Ewers’ Mobility: Can Ewers overcome his injury and lead the Longhorns to victory, or will his limited movement force Texas to adjust their game plan?
- Arch Manning’s Role: Will Manning see significant playing time, and if so, can he deliver in a high-pressure environment?
- Texas A&M’s Defense: Can the Aggies contain Texas’ offense, especially if Manning enters the game with fresh legs?
Paul Finebaum’s Take
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian shouldn’t hesitate to turn to Manning if Ewers struggles. “Sarkisian should not shy away from bringing Arch Manning in the game if Quinn Ewers struggles,” Finebaum said. It’s a bold statement, but one that reflects the high expectations surrounding Manning and the urgency of the moment for Texas.
Final Thoughts
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with plenty of drama both on and off the field. Will Ewers gut it out and lead Texas to another victory, or will the Longhorns turn to their young phenom in Arch Manning? Either way, the stakes couldn’t be higher as these two Texas powerhouses collide in a game that could define their seasons.
One thing is certain: the Longhorns’ playoff hopes hang in the balance, and the pressure is on for both Ewers and Manning to deliver when it matters most.
Originally Written by: Chris Low
