Texas QB Quinn Ewers left the No. 2 Longhorns’ game against UTSA with a non-contact injury, gingerly walking to the sideline after appearing to pull up following a handoff in the second quarter. He was replaced by Arch Manning, who threw a touchdown pass to give Texas a 21-0 lead. Ewers completed 14-of-16 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns before being taken to the medical tent on the sideline. A dejected Ewers then made a slow walk to the Texas locker room with a towel over his head before returning to the sideline without his uniform.
Ewers, captured on ESPN’s cameras motioning to the left side of his midsection while talking to people on the Texas sideline late in the half, was diagnosed with a “strained abdomen” by coach Steve Sarkisian at halftime. Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, threw a touchdown pass on his first attempt after coming into the game, a 19-yard strike to DeAndre Moore Jr. Manning rushed for a 67-yard TD on his third play replacing Ewers after UTSA cut Texas’ lead to 21-7.
In Ewers’ two seasons as Texas’ starter, he has missed time due to shoulder injuries. He injured his right throwing shoulder in a 2022 game against Alabama and his left shoulder against Houston in 2023. Ewers missed two games after being hurt against the Cougars last season, replaced by Maalik Murphy, who is now the starting quarterback at Duke after transferring at the end of the regular season. Ewers’ injury history raises concerns about his durability and ability to stay healthy for an entire season.
The Longhorns will need to continue to monitor Ewers’ injury status and determine a plan moving forward, especially given his history of shoulder injuries. Manning’s impressive performance as Ewers’ replacement against UTSA raises questions about whether he may be a viable option as Texas’ starting quarterback if Ewers is unable to return to the lineup. The Longhorns must balance the desire to win games with the need to prioritize the health and well-being of their players, particularly their starting quarterback.
Ewers’ skill and talent as a quarterback make him a valuable asset to the Longhorns, but his injury history casts doubt on his ability to stay on the field consistently. Texas will need to ensure that Ewers receives the necessary medical care and rehabilitation to recover fully from his latest injury and prevent future issues. The Longhorns’ coaching staff and medical team will play a crucial role in supporting Ewers through his recovery process and in making decisions about his availability for upcoming games.
Overall, Ewers’ injury against UTSA highlights the physical toll that playing quarterback at a high level can take on a player, as well as the importance of depth and preparation at the position. While Manning’s strong performance as Ewers’ replacement offers a glimmer of hope for the Longhorns, the team must remain vigilant in managing Ewers’ health and making informed decisions about his playing status. The Longhorns’ success this season may hinge on their ability to navigate the challenges presented by Ewers’ injury and to adapt to any potential changes in their quarterback situation.
