Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian announced Thursday that backup quarterback Arch Manning will be starting Saturday vs. the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Quinn Ewers will continue to recover from an abdominal strain he suffered during the Longhorns’ 56-7 win over UTSA in Week 3.

“I’m looking forward at his (Ewers’) future as a player, but also the future of the season for us in the longevity,” Sarkisian said. “Getting him possibly one more week healthier for the long term, I think, is good for us as we’re getting ready for SEC play.”

Manning was stellar in his appearance last week, throwing for 223 yards and four touchdowns on 9-of-12 passing. The top recruit from 2023 also showed off an athletic ability that could lead to Sarkisian opening up some new plays for the quarterback.

READ MORE: Texas coach Steve Sarkisian: Arch Manning’s legs add new ‘twist’ to Longhorn offense

Will Arch Manning continue to start at QB over Ewers?
Sarkisian has faith that Manning is “more than capable” of playing at a high level. However, regardless of the backup’s performance, the coach made it clear that Ewers is still Texas’ starting quarterback.

“I think we have a national championship caliber team, and he’s the quarterback of that team,” Sarkisian said. “This guy’s going to be in New York for the Heisman, whether he wins it or not … he has the ability to be a top-five NFL draft pick. So all the things that I think he’s capable of are still out there for him.”

READ MORE: Could Arch Manning replace Quinn Ewers as Texas QB1? Why recent history says it’s unlikely

Ewers got out to a blistering start to the season, leading Texas to a 31-12 win over reigning national champions Michigan in Week 2. He threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Wolverines and had 185 yards, two touchdowns and an interception before suffering his injury vs. the Roadrunners.

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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Quinn Ewers injury: Texas football prioritizing long term health of QB