Ewers Reveals Injury Struggles: How Healthy Is He Heading Into the Draft?

Quinn Ewers, the former Texas Longhorns quarterback, is stepping into the 2025 NFL Draft spotlight, but not without a shadow of doubt cast upon his durability. After declaring for the draft on January 15th, leaving behind a year of eligibility and reported multi-million dollar NIL offers to enter the transfer portal, Ewers is now facing scrutiny from NFL scouts and analysts alike. The question on everyone’s mind: Ewers Reveals Injury Struggles: How Healthy Is He Heading Into the Draft?

A Storied Career Marked by Setbacks

Ewers’ time in Austin was nothing short of eventful. He led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff and amassed impressive stats, ranking third all-time in school history with 9,128 passing yards and 68 touchdowns in just three years. However, his journey was frequently interrupted by injuries.

In his first season with Texas, Ewers missed three games after spraining his SC joint against Alabama. The following year, a left shoulder injury against Houston sidelined him for two more games. But the most significant challenge came during the 2024 season when he played through a torn oblique, initially reported as a strain, which he sustained in Week 2 against Michigan.

The Torn Oblique: A Season of Grit

Despite the torn oblique, Ewers remarkably played in 12 games, leading Texas to the SEC Championship Game and a College Football Playoff appearance. According to CBS Sports, he missed two starts due to the injury, with Arch Manning stepping in as his replacement. Despite the pain, Ewers managed to throw for 3,472 yards and 31 touchdowns, showcasing his toughness and commitment to the team.

Ewers himself admitted at the NFL Combine that he was fully healthy for only a fraction of the 2024 season, estimating it to be around two or three games. He described the oblique issue as something that “started popping up” after the Michigan game, gradually worsening until it “popped against UTSA.” Despite the discomfort, he pushed through, demonstrating a level of mental toughness that has impressed some scouts.

Combine Performance and Draft Projections

Ewers participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, where he aimed to alleviate concerns about his health and showcase his skills. Chad Reuter from NFL.com noted that Ewers needed a strong showing after struggling with pocket awareness and the oblique injury during the past season. While his performance wasn’t flawless, Ewers displayed promising traits, including easy velocity on certain routes and the ability to stretch the field.

Heading into the combine, Ewers was projected as a potential first-round pick but his draft stock has since fallen, with some analysts predicting he might land in the third or fourth round. However, his combine performance seems to have reignited some interest, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly showing interest. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda suggested that the Raiders might consider Ewers as an option if they can’t secure Cam Ward, potentially using a second-round pick or even trading up to get him.

The Durability Debate

The primary concern surrounding Ewers remains his durability. He missed games in all three seasons at Texas and also suffered a core injury during his final high school season. This history has led some to question his ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL.

However, Ewers has addressed these concerns head-on, stating that he is now fully healthy and feels “really good” as he prepares for the draft. He believes that the challenges he’s faced have made him a more resilient and mentally tough player.

Potential Fits in the NFL

Despite the injury concerns, Ewers’ talent and potential are undeniable. Several teams could be a good fit for him, depending on their needs and offensive schemes.

Pittsburgh Steelers: With uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, the Steelers could use Ewers as a backup or groom him as their future franchise quarterback under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Las Vegas Raiders: Desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback, the Raiders have reportedly shown interest in Ewers and could be willing to invest a second-round pick in him.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts could see Ewers as a developmental prospect with high upside, allowing him to learn and grow behind a veteran quarterback.

The Final Verdict

Quinn Ewers is a talented quarterback with the potential to succeed in the NFL. However, his injury history is a legitimate concern that could affect his draft stock. Ultimately, his success will depend on his ability to stay healthy and develop his skills at the next level. As the draft approaches, teams will be carefully evaluating Ewers’ medical records, combine performance, and interviews to determine if he’s worth the risk.