Brady Cook injury update: Latest on Missouri QB after injuring hand vs. Alabama

After Brady Cook left Saturday’s game against Alabama, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz had the latest in his postgame press conference. The Mizzou QB headed to the locker room in the second quarter for X-Rays and never returned.

Cook entered Saturday’s game with an ankle injury that raised questions about whether he’d be able to even play against Alabama. But he still got the start despite barely practicing during the week, and he later received treatment on the sidelines after hitting his throwing hand on a helmet.

After the game, Drinkwitz confirmed the injury took place early in the game, as the ABC broadcast said. As far as what’s next, he said the staff will see what happens once the team gets back to Columbia.

“I think it was the second drive of the game over on the right sideline,” Drinkwitz said in his postgame press conference. “They took an X-Ray and didn’t feel like they were comfortable with letting him continue. We’ll see where that goes when we get back.”

Cook later returned to the sidelines in street clothes as the second half got underway. He finished the day with 30 yards on 7-of-12 passing as the Missouri offense struggled to get much going against Alabama.

Cook’s status against Alabama looked “pessimistic” earlier in the week, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported. He was listed as doubtful on Wednesday’s injury report but became questionable by Friday. Cook then jumped under center as the starting quarterback on Saturday, and Drinkwitz said the plan was to let it rip.

Cook was already dealing with an ankle injury, which led to questions about whether he would even play Saturday against Alabama. He wasn’t able to fully practice during the week, but Drinkwitz still opted to let him get the start in the Week 9 matchup.

“Due to the ankle injury, Brady Cook was unable to practice much for Missouri this week,” ABC’s Katie George said. “Now, he was able to go through walk-through on Thursday, but that was about it. So he’s been on the sideline, stretching, using the Theragun on his glutes and hamstrings.

“Worth mentioning that Eli Drinkwitz said this is the first time he’s ever played a quarterback after not practicing much in the week. But he felt like since Cook is a three-year starter, a veteran, established, that he had confidence in doing so.”

Pyne then came in to replace Cook and struggled mightily. He threw three interceptions as the Missouri offense continued to have a hard time against Alabama’s defense.