Missouri Tigers fans held their breath as their season teetered on the edge in Week 8. Star quarterback Brady Cook, dropping back on a crucial 2nd & 8 deep in opponent territory, nearly lost his footing—a slip that could have taken Missouri’s season down with him.
Cook eventually returned, rallying to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive, but his latest diagnosis now puts a shadow of doubt over Missouri’s upcoming clash with Alabama.
What Happened to Brady Cook?
It was a simple 2nd & 8 dropback early in the second quarter against Auburn. Cook dropped back to pass from the shotgun and as he went to plant his back foot and move away from a collapsing pocket, it was clear something was wrong.
Cook’s legs buckled and he tried to run away from pressure, but it looks like his legs couldn’t hold up any longer than he already had. He dove to avoid taking a sack on what appeared to be just one leg.
Here’s what caused #Mizzou QB Brady Cook to leave the game and go to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/XqP3XohEav
— Joey Van Zummeren (@JoeyVZ_) October 19, 2024
Cook lightly jogged off the field, grimacing and not putting weight on his injured leg in the process.
He was later seen heading into the locker room under his own power.
As bad as it was, however, it was stated on the broadcast that it was an ‘ankle injury’ and he would be getting the ankle taped and he would likely return to the game.
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Following the halftime break, Cook famously returned to the action, stating his intentions were not to sit and watch his few opportunities left to play for Missouri slip by him.
Now, with the Tigers’ season in the balance, Cook’s latest update ahead of Week 9 is not good.
Is Brady Cook Playing vs. Alabama?
All week, Cook was considered a game-time decision during practice, but as of Saturday morning, it looks like he’ll give it a shot. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that Cook will attempt to play against Alabama, though he’s unlikely to be anywhere near 100%.
Thamel also noted that Cook was spotted in a boot during Friday’s walk-through at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He wasn’t at full strength during Missouri’s comeback win last week, but even a hobbled Cook proved enough to push the Tigers forward. Playing at Alabama, however, is another level of challenge.
If Cook can’t go the distance—or even make the start—Drew Pyne would step in. A seasoned transfer, Pyne relieved Cook against Auburn last week, though he went 10-for-21 for just 78 yards.
Missouri’s upcoming bye week should give Cook some valuable time to recover.
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