The No. 20 Texas Longhorns are taking on the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon. The biggest storyline heading into the matchup is the status of Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning. 

Late in last week’s win over Mississippi State, Manning entered the injury tent and was later diagnosed with a concussion. His status for Texas’ game on Saturday has been fluctuating throughout the week. 

Let’s take a look at the latest on Manning’s injury and whether he will play against the Commodores.  

MORE: Texas QB depth chart: Matthew Caldwell next up for Longhorns

Arch Manning concussion protocol updates

Late in last Saturday’s game against Mississippi State, Manning appeared to hit his helmet on the turf. He was helped off the field and immediately entered Texas’ injury tent on the sideline. 

He remained in the injury tent the rest of the game, and his backup, Matthew Caldwell entered the game for him. Caldwell threw a touchdown pass in overtime to give Texas a 45-38 overtime victory in Starkville. 

ESPN reported that Manning sustained a concussion during the game, which was confirmed by Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday after the game. Sarkisian added that Manning was in the concussion protocol: 

Sarkisian added that Manning practiced with the team on both Wednesday and Thursday, but he remains in the protocol. Texas safety Michael Taffee is also in the protocol.

“They both practiced here today,” coach Steve Sarkisian said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol, but Michael’s practiced the last two days.”

On Thursday, Sarkisian added that he did not have any new information on Manning’s status: 

“I don’t have anything beyond that for Arch,: Sarkisian said. “Just because we have to follow the protocol of the days and the reps, but Arch is making good progress as well as Michael.” 

MORE: How is Arch Manning related to Peyton and Eli?

Is Arch Manning playing?

Manning’s exact return remains unclear at this time. He has been listed as questionable on Texas’ injury report all week. Unless he clears protocol in time for Saturday, his status remains a bit up in the air for the game. Texas is listed as a 3-point home favorite against the Commodores.  

MORE: NCAA rules, evaluation process and more to know about concussion protocol

How long is Arch Manning out?

While Manning’s status for Saturday’s game remains unclear, there is a reason to be optimistic, thanks to Texas’ schedule. After the Longhorns play Vanderbilt, Texas has a bye week. Texas then has a road trip to play No. 5 Georgia on Nov. 15. 

Even if Manning has to miss Saturday’s game, there’s reason to believe he can pretty feasibly clear protocol in time for the game vs. the Dawgs. The bye week for Manning couldn’t come at a better time given his injury.

MORE: Why did Arch Manning go to Texas?

How concussion protocol works in college football

Like any contact sport, both schools and the NCAA have medical personnel that are specifically trained in concussion management to evaluate the athlete. These professionals look at symptoms like loss of consciousness or balance, and confusion, and these typically result in immediate removal from play. 

If an athlete is confirmed to have suffered a concussion, they immediately enter concussion protocol, which includes post-concussion management. The multi-step process has six stages that athletes undergo, ranging from limiting symptoms from daily activities, light aerobic exercise to limited participation in practice before being fully cleared for practice. 

Manning has practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, but it appears he hasn’t been fully cleared just yet. 

MORE: How Arch Manning’s speed compares to Peyton, Eli

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