Manning practiced Thursday for the second straight day, but remains limited by concussion protocols, Sarkisian said during his weekly Zoom meeting with the media.
“I don’t have anything beyond that for Arch just because we have to follow the protocol of the days and the reps, but Arch is making good progress,” Sarkisian said.
Texas, like all NCAA schools, can only clear a player for full practice or games after the player passes a series of tests that assess cognitive and physical capabilities. As Manning passes those tests, he will gradually ramp up activity until he shows no symptoms of the concussion and has normal cognitive function, balance and coordination.
Manning would then need final clearance from a physician before participating in full football activities and taking the field against the No. 9 Commodores.
The hit that ended Manning’s game in Saturday’s 45-38 overtime win against Mississippi State didn’t draw a flag from the officials, but it drew plenty of ire from Sarkisian. On the first play of overtime, Manning scrambled for 13 yards to the 12-yard line. As safety Isaac Smith brought Manning to the ground with a tackle around his legs, 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive tackle Kedrick Bingley-Jones came in from behind and hit Manning in the back of the head with his forearm and shoulder. Manning’s head bounced off the turf and he stayed on the ground for a few moments before making his way to the sideline and into the injury tent.
Bingley-Jones’ hit ended a massive game for Manning, who threw for a career-high 346 yards on 29-of-46 passing while racking up four total touchdowns.
If Manning can’t play against Vanderbilt, Matthew Caldwell will get his first start at quarterback as a Longhorn.