Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, is dealing with a sprained MCL, according to a report from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Cooks popped up on Wednesday’s practice report with a knee injury.
He wouldn’t give a lot of detail to it in the locker room when asked about the injury and his status this week, saying, “That’s one thing you can talk to coach about. Just working and see where we’re at.”
What Is the Latest Surrounding Brandin Cooks?
The Dallas Morning News reports Cooks suffered just a Grade 1 sprain, and hasn’t yet been ruled out for this week’s games. The recovery time for mild MCL sprains is usually a few days to two weeks.
When asked how he was feeling and if there would be any limitations on if he does play on Sunday, he said, “I feel good. If I’m out there, there’s no limitations.”
Appearing on 105.3 The Fan on Friday morning, Jerry Jones said Cooks will be a game-time decision for Week 2. He also suggested Cooks doesn’t need practice reps in order to be available against the Jets.
Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks is dealing with a sprained MCL, per source https://t.co/PAJq9e1WDA
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 14, 2023
Cooks logged 34 of a possible 58 snaps (59%) in the Cowboys’ Week 1 victory over the New York Giants, the second-most plays logged by a Dallas offensive player behind CeeDee Lamb (46). He was targeted four times, catching two passes for 22 yards.
Cooks could potentially miss time with this injury, although the length of rehab isn’t clear without knowing the severity.
Fantasy Reaction to Brandon Cooks Injury
Mike McCarthy’s Wednesday comments didn’t come with the most optimistic tone on Cooks’ knee injury. On Thursday, we learned he’s dealing with a sprained MCL. Fortunately, it appears Cooks is dealing with an extremely mild sprain.
His outlook for this week still isn’t good, but the team believes it is not a multi-week injury. I remain skeptical, but regardless, it sounds as if Cooks may only miss one or two games.
Cooks and Gallup split the WR2 role last week, with each running exactly 19 routes. If Cooks is out this week, Jalen Tolbert will likely see increased usage in three-receiver sets. We could also see Kavontae Turpin more involved.
Either way, the only fantasy implication is that Gallup could be a desperation Flex play in deeper leagues. Fantasy managers do not need to be starting Tolbert or Turpin.
— PFN fantasy analyst Jason Katz