Is Arch Manning hurt? Why Texas fans are convinced QB is playing through undisclosed shoulder injury

Jeff Hauser

Is Arch Manning hurt? Why Texas fans are convinced QB is playing through undisclosed shoulder injury image

Arch Manning delivered one of his most complete performances in a Texas uniform on Saturday, leading the No. 6 Longhorns to a 38-7 rout of San Jose State. 

The star quarterback accounted for five total touchdowns and nearly 300 yards of offense, bouncing back from a rough outing the week prior at Ohio State.

Yet, his afternoon wasn’t without intrigue, as broadcast replays appeared to capture Manning in pain after throwing. 

Is Arch Manning hurt?

On one misfire to Ryan Wingo, Manning was clearly favoring his shoulder.

He was asked afterward and dismissed the notion of an injury, saying, “Nah, no, I’ve got to make that throw.” Coach Steve Sarkisian, too, downplayed the matter, saying he was unaware of any issue.

But given Manning’s family name and the spotlight he carries, the images have fueled speculation about whether his accuracy inconsistencies were linked to being hurt.

Manning came out sharp and added a 20-yard touchdown run that showcased his mobility and composure outside the pocket. He spread the ball to seven receivers, with wideout Parker Livingstone emerging as the top target, finishing with 128 yards and two scores.

Sarkisian praised Manning’s great play, while also noting areas for growth. Manning himself described the outing as “sloppy,” pointing to turnovers and a handful of missed throws, including a costly interception near the end zone.

Texas has two more non-conference matchups before SEC play begins at Florida on Oct. 4. Manning’s development remains under the microscope, particularly with NFL evaluators who are tracking his progression. The five-touchdown showing reestablished confidence, but the question of an injury might come up. Until Texas addresses it directly, it's an unknown. 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.