Sophia
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers, meticulously scouting quarterback talent for the 2026 NFL Draft, have encountered an unexpected hurdle. One of their prime targets, Oklahoma Sooners junior John Mateer, suffered a significant injury to his throwing hand during a recent collegiate matchup, requiring surgery and sidelining him for at least a month.
This development sends a ripple through the Steelers’ draft aspirations, as Mateer has been rapidly ascending as a potential franchise cornerstone. While the injury is a setback, the team remains hopeful for his full recovery and a strong return to the field.
Mateer’s Injury: A Temporary Halt to a Stellar Season
During Oklahoma’s Week 4 clash against Auburn on September 20, 2025, Mateer sustained the hand injury that necessitated immediate surgical intervention. While he is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, the good news is that he is projected to return to action later in the season for the undefeated Sooners.
Oklahoma Head Coach Brent Venables addressed the situation, emphasizing the long-term perspective for his star quarterback. “After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,” Venables stated. “He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action, but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.”
Oklahoma’s Unbeaten Run Fueled by Mateer’s Dual-Threat Prowess
The Sooners have enjoyed a dominant start to the 2025 season, boasting a 4-0 record with impressive victories over two AP Top-25 ranked opponents. Mateer’s exceptional play has been the driving force behind this success. Prior to his injury, he completed over 67% of his passes for 1,215 yards, throwing six touchdowns against just three interceptions. His impact wasn’t limited to the air; he also added 190 rushing yards and five additional touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dangerous dual-threat capabilities.
Now, Oklahoma faces the challenge of maintaining its momentum without its primary playmaker, a testament to Mateer’s importance to the squad.
Steelers’ QB Search: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Uncertainty
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this injury to a potential future signal-caller is a significant development, particularly as the overall outlook for the 2026 quarterback class continues to evolve. Mateer has rapidly emerged as a premier option for the organization’s next franchise quarterback, and his ability to stay on the field and continue building his resume is crucial.
While the setback is undeniable, it hasn’t erased the Steelers’ hopes. The team’s keen interest in Mateer suggests they view this as a temporary blip. If he recovers fully and returns to his high level of play, this injury will likely be a minor footnote in his journey to becoming a top prospect and potentially the Steelers’ next leader under center.
The Steelers will continue to monitor Mateer’s rehabilitation closely, along with other promising prospects. The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class remains a focal point for the franchise, and Mateer’s recovery will be a key storyline to watch.
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Published Sep 25, 2025
JACOB PUNTURI
Jacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers On SI and the NHL for Breakaway On SI. He also co-hosts the All Steelers Talk podcast. Previous work covering the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News. Follow @Jake_Atsby
