Texas coach Steve Sarkisian balks at rumors of Arch Manning injury after QB seen wincing

Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian dispelled rumors that quarterback Arch Manning is dealing with an injury.

Rumors that Manning might be hurt began when cameras showed him wincing after making a throw during Saturday’s 38-7 win over San Jose State. Based on the video (and a clip shown without context), Manning could have been reacting to the result of the throw, rather than any pain he might have felt.

During his Monday press conference, Sarkisian indicated that Manning’s facial expression could have meant anything. However, it wasn’t because of an injury, the coach insisted.

“He doesn’t have any,” Sarkisian told reporters, via On3. “I don’t know. I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom. So, I don’t know what faces you make when you’re doing that.”

Manning threw for four touchdowns and 295 yards in the Longhorns’ win, completing 19-of-30 passes with one interception. He also ran for 23 yards and a score in four rushing attempts. Texas is ranked No. 7 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, released on Sunday.

Though the performance was against a lesser opponent, Manning’s numbers were better than his 170-yard showing versus Ohio State in Week 1.

The sophomore was asked about the grimace after the game on Saturday and apparently didn’t realize that he made such an expression.

“I don’t even know,” Manning said, via Longhorns Wire.

Yet the quarterback had plenty to say about his performance, which he felt was subpar.

“Once again, not very good. We’ve got to clean up a lot of things,” Manning said following Saturday’s game. “Overall it was a little sloppy. … I thought I made more plays and attacked more, but it was still sloppy all around.”

Up next for Texas is a home game versus UTEP on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET. The Longhorns are 41.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM.