Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is considering starting redshirt freshman Arch Manning for the first time after Heisman candidate quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered a strained abdomen injury against UTSA. Ewers was visibly in discomfort and ultimately had to leave the game after a strong performance, going 14-for-16 for 185 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The injury was not the result of contact, but rather occurred during a pass play when Ewers felt a sudden pain that he hoped would subside, but ultimately led to him being sidelined for the remainder of the game.
If Ewers is unable to play in the upcoming game against Louisiana-Monroe, Sarkisian appears confident in Manning’s ability to lead the offense. Manning showed promise in his debut against UTSA, throwing four touchdown passes and running for a 67-yard touchdown. This would not be the first time Ewers has had to miss games due to injury, as he was sidelined for two games in the previous season with an AC joint sprain. In that season, Maalik Murphy was Ewers’ backup, but he has since transferred to Duke University, leaving Manning as the likely replacement if Ewers needs to take time off to recover.
Sarkisian has described Ewers as “questionable” for the upcoming game, emphasizing that his status is week to week. Manning’s strong performance against UTSA has instilled confidence in the coaching staff that he can effectively lead the offense in Ewers’ absence. The Longhorns will need to monitor Ewers’ recovery closely and make a decision on who will start at quarterback based on his progress. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ewers’ availability, the team remains focused on preparing for their upcoming opponents and ensuring they have a solid game plan in place.
Ewers’ injury was a setback for the Longhorns, as he was a key player and a potential Heisman candidate. However, Manning’s impressive performance in relief of Ewers has provided a glimpse of the young quarterback’s potential and his ability to step up when needed. The coaching staff will continue to evaluate the situation and make decisions based on the status of Ewers’ recovery, with Manning being a strong contender to start if Ewers is unable to play.
As the Longhorns prepare for their upcoming game, the team will be relying on Manning’s talent and composure to lead them to victory if Ewers is sidelined. Although Ewers’ injury is unfortunate, Manning’s emergence as a potential starter is an opportunity for him to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success. The coaching staff will continue to monitor Ewers’ progress and make decisions accordingly, prioritizing the health and well-being of their players while also striving for success on the field.
