Quinn Ewers expected to start vs. Oklahoma: Texas star QB on track to return for Red River Showdown

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to start in the Longhorns' Oct. 12 Red River Showdown against rival Oklahoma , according to 247Sports . Ewers missed Texas' last two games while dealing with an abdominal injury he suffered in his team's win against UTSA .

Texas has a bye this week, affording Ewers extra time to get healthy before making his return to the field.

"We haven't had any setbacks," Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said of Ewers Monday. "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."

Without Ewers, Texas turned to redshirt freshman Arch Manning to get it through the rest of its nonconference slate and SEC opener. Manning led the Longhorns to wins against ULM and Mississippi State while throwing for 582 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 29 yards and another touchdown in his first two career starts.

Prior to his injury, Ewers entered the early Heisman Trophy conversation with a hot start to his third year leading the Longhorns. He put on an impressive performance in a signature win against Michigan , carving up the Wolverines' defense for 246 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He had at least two touchdowns in each game amid Texas' 3-0 start, including the UTSA game that he was knocked out of early.