This Week 14 matchup against Texas A&M is crucial for Texas football to enhance its chances of making the College Football Playoff and to secure a position in the SEC championship game for the first time.

However, the focus is on whether starting quarterback Quinn Ewers will take the field against the Aggies, or if Arch Manning will step in during their first meeting since 2011.

According to ESPN’s college football expert Pete Thamel, Ewers is currently coping with a high ankle sprain and is anticipated to play, although he won’t be at full strength. On Friday, Ewers was marked as “probable” on the Texas injury list.

“Sources have indicated he is managing a high ankle sprain and will not be at 100% tonight,” Thamel mentioned on Saturday.

As Saturday’s game approaches, Texas holds a 97% likelihood of making the College Football Playoff and a 46.5% chance of securing the SEC championship, based on ESPN’s College Football Power Index.

The winner of this rivalry clash will advance to Atlanta next Saturday to face No. 6 Georgia in the SEC championship.

Below is an overview of Ewers’ condition for Week 14 against Texas A&M, along with details regarding his injury:

Will Quinn Ewers Play Today? Status Update Against Texas A&M

Thamel noted on “College GameDay” that Ewers is likely to play, but “won’t be at 100%” against the Aggies.

He further mentioned that if Ewers struggles with mobility due to his injury, backup quarterback Arch Manning might see some action.

“This raises the possibility of Arch Manning coming in if Ewers has mobility issues,” Thamel said. “Keep in mind A&M has had difficulties facing running quarterbacks this season, like Riley Leonard from Notre Dame and LaNorris Sellers from South Carolina.”

Manning has some game experience this season, having stepped in for Ewers twice while he was sidelined with a strained oblique injury. Throughout six games this season, Manning has achieved a 67.8% completion rate, totaling 939 yards and nine interceptions.

On Friday, Ewers was marked as “probable” in the SEC availability report. The final availability updates will be released 90 minutes prior to kickoff at Kyle Field in College Station on Saturday.

Quinn Ewers’ Injury Status

Ewers is currently managing a high ankle sprain, according to Thamel.

The injury occurred during Texas’ Week 13 victory over Kentucky. As reported by the Austin American-Statesman’s David Eckert, the injury happened in the second quarter after Ewers limped off following a touchdown run by Jaydon Blue but did not exit the game.

“During a scramble, he experienced what you might describe as a hip-drop tackle, which is referenced in the NFL,” said Texas coach Steve Sarkisian following the game. “It’s legal in collegiate football, but the injury tightened up on him, and I felt it wasn’t worth risking him further.”

Hip-drop tackles are now subject to penalties in the NFL.

During a media session on Monday in Austin, Ewers stated his injury “wasn’t a significant concern,” according to Eckert.

“Nobody’s at 100% this late in the season,” Ewers remarked. “But that’s part of the game. I feel good.”

Quinn Ewers’ Performance Stats

Here’s a summary of Ewers’ performance this season:

• 2024: 189 completions on 278 attempts (68%), totaling 2,089 passing yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions; one rushing touchdown