In a parallel universe, Arch Manning must be preparing for his Heisman speech with a little more than a month left for the grand ceremony in NYC. But in reality, the Texas Longhorns quarterback is under concussion protocol after his dream night against Mississippi State ended with an injury. Three days left for Manning’s Texas to be facing off against Vanderbilt. He is almost done surviving all six steps he has been put through. So, what is the latest update?

On October 29, Nash Talks Texas posted the step-by-step breakdown of the protocol. The Longhorns’ head coach, Steve Sarkisian and co., can see some silver lining for Manning’s return. The caption read, “Arch Manning is either on step 3 or 4, both would put him with an unrestricted return to sport on Friday or Saturday timeline. Arch Manning could play this weekend.” Of all the six steps, Manning has ticked off the first four steps. 

Manning sustained a concussion during Saturday’s 45-38 overtime win over Mississippi State. He looked to pass but found no one open, so he bolted up the middle. Just as he hit the ground, Isaac Smith and Kedrick Bingley-Jones converged, with the latter landing a late shot from behind. Brandon Baker tried to help him up, but Manning stayed down, clearly shaken, before trainers rushed in and escorted him to the medical tent.

The concussion protocol led Manning through a three-day process. For instance, step 1 was about symptom-limited activities, and step 2 covered aerobic exercise and so on. He is only left with the last two steps- unrestricted practice or training and unrestricted return-to-sport. Texas fans might be keeping their fingers crossed. CJ Vogel dropped the first SEC Availability Report on October 29 before their weekend face-off. Going by the list, Manning still sits on the “questionable” bench along with DB Michael Taaffe and OL Cole Hutson. However, the Wednesday practice had some good news.

Sarkisian confirmed both Manning and Taffe practiced on October 29. “They both practiced here today,” the head coach said. “Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol, but Michael has practiced the last two days.” Texas insider, Eric Nahlin, reported some encouraging news- Manning’s concussion doesn’t appear as severe as once thought. He was spotted at practice today, carefully working within SEC concussion guidelines.

Manning’s return to practice after a concussion is an encouraging sign for his weekend availability, but not everyone’s on board with a quick comeback. With Texas’ offensive line showing cracks and a tough Vanderbilt defense looming, many fans believe it might be wiser to let backup Matthew Caldwell take the reins. Meanwhile, Sarkisian, too, is confident about his backup. 

Steve Sarkisian’s confidence in backup plan while Arch Manning is put under the radar

A narrative is now doing the rounds in the Texas camp, with Manning yet to get his fitness certificate. The question is- what if Texas is better with Matthew Caldwell, not Arch Manning, playing QB? The calendar is moving to November, and the games to remember. So, Sarkisian can no longer afford to play trial and error with his starters. 

The last time Caldwell faced a Power 4 opponent came on the road at Iowa’s raucous Kinnick Stadium, no easy stage for any quarterback. Despite Troy’s 38-21 loss, Caldwell held his own, completing 14 of 21 passes for 156 yards with a touchdown and a pick. His highlight moment? A 63-yard bomb to Devonte Ross in the second quarter that silenced the Hawkeye crowd. For the ones who do not want to dwell in the past, here comes his latest feat against Mississippi State. 

He held the reins when Manning got sidelined due to injury. Caldwell came in and delivered what would be the game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmet Mosely V. It looks like Sarkisian, too, does not have much problem passing on the baton.

For Arch Manning’s backup, the head coach only had good words. “He’s very engaged even when he doesn’t play. If you ever watched our sidelines in-game, 18 is probably the most engaged player on that sidelines. He’s always picking guys up, offense, defense, special teams,” said Steve Sarkisian. Even if Manning’s cleared for action, does Texas dare roll the dice or let Caldwell keep the wheel while the star QB fully heals?