Steve Sarkisian: Quinn Ewers played 'pretty well' vs. TCU after shoulder injury

Texas had to survive without Quinn Ewers against Kansas State. Texas had to survive with Quinn Ewers on Saturday against TCU. Another close game in the Steve Sarkisian era for Texas, this was another one on the winning end, as the Longhorns will leave Fort Worth with their big season dreams still alive.

Ewers had missed the last two weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in a game vs. Houston. Maalik Murphy filled in but for the road trip to TCU, Ewers was healthy enough to get back on the field. Sarkisian thought his quarterback played “pretty well” and came up in big moments for Texas.

“I thought Quinn played pretty well,” Sarkisian said during his postgame interview with ESPN’s Tom Luginbill. “Coming off that injury — made some big-time plays in some big-time moments for us. Hopefully, we can continue to get him more and more healthy as we move forward.”

Sarkisian added more during his postgame press conference, continuing to praise his quarterback. Ewers’ pocket presence was another positive point brought up, something that could have been shaky for someone coming off a shoulder problem.

“Quinn, coming off of injury, I don’t know if I could have asked for much more,” Sarkisian said. “I thought he stood in the pocket. I thought he made some throws in critical moments. I’m sure we’re going to look at the tape and see plays that maybe he could have executed a little better, and that’s any game.”

Texas opted for a conservative approach in the second half, relying on the ground game. It caused another blown lead by somehow, the Longhorns escaped. Ewers made one of the big throws Sarkisian touched on, finding Adonai Mitchell on a late fourth-quarter third down.

CLUTCH GENE. @QuinnEwers to @MoCityMitch. pic.twitter.com/mjMpKu5OWm

— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) November 12, 2023

Ewers did have a couple of mistakes throughout, with the main one being an interception in the first half. He underthrew Xavier Worthy but after a lengthy return from TCU, Jordan Whittington was able to make a nice play and punch the ball out. Texas fell on the fumble, giving Ewers another shot.

He took advantage of it, finding Worthy down the sideline once again. His first throw following the interception was an incredible one, washing out the mistake. Just a few moments later, Texas punched the ball into the end zone for six.

Quinn Ewers first pass after his horrible deep ball INT is a DOT to Xavier Worthy pic.twitter.com/HK0tUBvjeb

— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) November 12, 2023

Sarkisian is now hoping Ewers can continue to work on his shoulder and get closer back to 100%. While Iowa State is the main focus, Texas has some bigger-picture goals to accomplish this season. They are still in the driver’s seat to make an appearance in the Big 12 Championship game.

Having Ewers healthy will only increase the odds they can go out there and win in Arlington.