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Pete Thamel, ESPN
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook was upgraded to questionable on the SEC injury report Friday night, and sources told ESPN that he is expected to ramp up and attempt to play at No. 15 Alabama on Saturday.
Cook’s ability to play for No. 21 Missouri and his effectiveness with his injured right ankle remain in question. Sources told ESPN that Cook wore a boot when Missouri had a walked-through at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Friday and that he didn’t do anything significant in terms of activity in practice this week.
Cook left the Auburn game last week with the injury. After getting an MRI at a local hospital, he returned to the game late in the third quarter and led Missouri to an improbable 21-17 comeback win.
If Cook is able to play, he’s not expected to be 100 percent because of the ankle.
Cook has started 34 consecutive games for Missouri, including every matchup of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons. He has thrown for seven touchdowns and just one interception this season, and for his career has completed 66.4% of his passes and racked up 8,261 yards.
If Cook can’t go or is limited, Missouri will turn to veteran backup Drew Pyne, who has started 11 career games from his time at Notre Dame and Arizona State. He has taken the first-team reps in practice this week and has played in four games this season, completing 67.4% of his passes.
Missouri will be without starting tailback Nate Noel, who did not make the trip to Alabama, and starting wide receiver Mookie Cooper.
Both Missouri (6-1) and Alabama (5-2) entered the season with great expectations, but a blowout loss for the Tigers and two defeats for the Tide have dimmed hopes. Saturday’s matchup is viewed as an elimination game for the College Football Playoff for the loser.
Missouri has a bye next week, which in theory could give Cook and a banged-up roster a chance to heal.