Steve Sarkisian says Anthony Cook, Ryan Watts are making 'good progress'

With cornerbacks Anthony Cook and Ryan Watts both dealing with injuries, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was asked for an update on their status in his Monday press conference. Although Sarkisian could not say for certain that either Cook or Watts will this week, he did indicate they are trending in the right direction.

“I think it’s probably a little too early (to say whether they’ll play),” the coach said. “Both guys are making really good progress for us right now. All of the guys that were banged up, we’re all moving in the right direction for everybody.”

Cook suffered a broken arm against Oklahoma State on Oct. 22. Although that might seem like an injury that would keep him sidelined for a while, Sarkisian described him as week-to-week last week.

The senior defensive back had been one of the defense’s most productive players through the first half of the season. So far in 2022 he has logged 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Cook has provided a stable presence in the secondary for years now, logging starts all the way back to 2018. In his career he has recorded 150 tackles, 9.0 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

As for Watts, it appears much more likely that he will be able to play Saturday. He suffered an unknown injury that caused him to leave in Week 7 against Iowa State, but returned the following week against Oklahoma State to record two tackles and an interception.

Watts has also been one of the most productive members of the Texas secondary, recording 33 tackles, an interception and three passes defended so far this season.

Texas (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) is coming off of a bye week, giving both Anthony Cook and Ryan Watts time to rest their injuries. The Longhorns are scheduled to kick off against No. 13 Kansas State at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday in Manhattan.