Report: Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks suffered MCL sprain

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks popped up on the team’s injury report on Wednesday. Despite initial hopes that the veteran was simply taking a rest day, Dallas Morning News‘ David Moore shared on Thursday that sources say the wideout suffered an MCL sprain.

Depending on the severity of the strain, the Cowboys could sit the starter for a week or more.

Acquired in the offseason from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round and 2024 sixth-round pick, Cooks made his Cowboys debut in the 40-0 Week 1 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. He came down with two receptions for 22 yards.

On Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy said Cooks has “got a chance” to play in Week 2 against the New York Jets on Sunday. Now, the plan is for the wide receiver to join the rehabbing group of players during Thursday’s practice.

Cooks joined left tackle Tyron Smith (ankle), guard Tyler Smith (hamstring) and safety Donovan Wilson (calf) on the injury report. Tyler Smith will also be in the rehab group with the veteran wideout on Thursday, according to Mike McCarthy.

“I’m just working, and we’ll see where we’re at. I feel good,” Cooks shared.

Despite the optimism, it’s either in or out for the veteran. Cooks said he wouldn’t be limited if he suited up against the Jets.

“Nah. If I’m out there, there’s no limitations,” Cooks said.

Cowboys loving Cooks’ contributions

The Cowboys picked up Cooks along with veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore to add more experienced talent to both the WR and DB rooms. They’ve done nothing but win over hearts and minds in the locker room.

“Two excellent veterans,” McCarthy said this summer. “Just their veteran experience and their abilities speaks for itself. They’ve been everything we thought they would be. The professionalism is top-notch.

“They both have made impacts in their position rooms and obviously, me being with the offense and being around Brandin, just so happy he’s here. They both have made an impact already.”

Even though his success could potentially mean less shine on Michael Gallup, the two have hit it off.

“We love him in there,” Gallup said, via the Athletic. “I ain’t going to lie to you. He has been in there every day, working, just trying to win. That’s all he wants to do is just win, and he wants to do it as a group. He’s a great addition.”

The former Oregon State star came into the NFL after being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft (20th overall), by the New Orleans Saints. Ever since, Cooks has been a reliable receiver looking for a permanent home in the league.

Before being traded by the Texans to the Cowboys, Cooks spent time with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. Over the course of his NFL career, he’s amassed 632 receptions for 8,638 yards and 49 touchdowns.

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.