Is Quinn Ewers returning? Exploring Texas QB's availability for Oklahoma matchup

Arch Manning had his time to shine on the field. But Quinn Ewers, who has been out for two and a half games due to abdominal strain, is in line to return when the Texas Longhorns face the No. 12 Oklahoma Sooners on Oct. 12, according to Horns247.com.

After exiting the game against UTSA in the second quarter, Ewers has missed two straight games. In his absence, backup quarterback Manning led Texas' offense to two straight wins (ULM and Mississippi State) coming into this off-week.

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update on Quinn Ewers' status on Monday.

"We haven't had any setbacks," Sarkisian said of Ewers. "It's been steady progress. I think he's getting stronger and more comfortable and more confident, and so we'll just kind of stay the course with that."

Coming from an injury can be tough for any player, especially for a quarterback. Sarkisian knows that, which is why he's easing his way with Ewers.

"We always look to every player, but most notably the quarterback, when he gets injured, we want to pull him in even tighter," Sarkisian said. "We want to pull him in even closer.

"When we're at practice, Quinn is engaged. He's in every meeting. He's talking about the game plan."

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Steve Sarkisian clears air on Quinn Ewers vs Arch Manning for starting QB1

After Arch Manning's impressive performances in two games under center, there was a growing projection on who's the better fit to start at center for Sarkisian's unit. Some even quipped to start Manning even if Quinn Ewers gets healthy.

However, Steve Sarkisian cleared the air, hailing Ewers as the man with the job for now.

"We need Quinn back because he's our quarterback, and he's our leader," Sarkisian said after win against the Bulldogs. "I think that that impacts the entire team's belief. But what I think we learned, and what Arch kind of learned here over the last two and a half games, is this team can count on him, too.

"When we get Quinn back, we're all going to be excited about that but we also know, gosh, what a luxury that we do have. And what valuable experience Arch got here over the last two and a half games."

However, it doesn't mean Ewers can take it lightly on the field. He will be under the pump knowing a good quarterback is waiting behind him.