Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook expected to return this season after ankle, throwing arm injuries

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri quarterback Brady Cook is expected to be able to return to play before the end of the season, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Wednesday, despite separate injuries to Cook's ankle and wrist/hand area.

Cook suffered a high ankle sprain during the No. 25 Tigers' Oct. 19 game against Auburn, and then exited their Saturday loss to Alabama after undergoing X-rays on his hand and wrist.

"Brady's been in here every day getting treatment. Absolutely expect him back this season," Drinkwitz said on the Southeastern Conference's weekly teleconference between coaches and reporters. "Right now, I have no update that would tell me I don't expect him for today's practice."

Drinkwitz declined to specify whether his primary concern with his quarterback's health, entering a much-needed bye week, is centered more around Cook's ankle or his hand.

"Whole body," Drinkwitz said. "Mentally, physically, everything's just been beat up for the eight weeks of the season. We're focused on trying to treat the whole body and getting healthy spirit, soul, mind, body, all of it."

A Mizzou spokesperson previously declined to comment on the exact nature of Cook's newest injury and whether the X-rays showed a fracture in his hand or wrist.

Initial indications made it seem as though Cook could be in line to miss MU's Nov. 9 game against Oklahoma and, potentially, Nov. 16 game at South Carolina — but Drinkwitz's Wednesday comments clarified that his exact return date won't be made public at this point.

With Cook out, Drew Pyne is Missouri's likely starting quarterback. Pyne threw three interceptions in the Tigers' loss to the Crimson Tide. JR Blood and freshman Aidan Glover are other quarterbacks who could be in line for opportunities, should the Mizzou coaching staff look elsewhere in the locker room.

Mizzou beat writer