Is Brady Cook playing today? Missouri QB's availability for Week 9 explored

The Missouri Tigers are set to go on the road to play the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday in a pivotal SEC matchup. Cook left last week's game with an injury and his status for Week 9 is up in the air.

Is Brady Cook playing today?

No, Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook is unlikely to play today against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Cook is listed as doubtful on the SEC-mandated injury report. Cook did not participate in practice, but coach Eli Drinkwintz was still holding out hope for him.

“I don't know if I'd say, ‘participate’” Drinkwitz said, via AOL. “I anticipate that he will be out at practice, but that's why I'm not letting the media at practice, so that y'all can’t worry about what he's doing or not doing in practice,” he added.

What happened to Brady Cook?

Cook left Missouri's game against Auburn with an ankle injury but did return. Cook went to the hospital and was able to return after tests, as Drinkwintz credited the hospital across the street for getting him in and out.

“If it’s not a home game, we’re not able to get over to MU Health and we’re not able to get the MRI and we’re not able to get that read in a timely manner,” Drinkwitz said, via On3.

“That’s the one time I was very thankful that games lasted three and a half hours. Because if it was a two-and-a-half-hour game, it probably wouldn’t have happened. No, it wouldn’t be a possibility if you weren’t at home and very fortunate for MU Healthcare," he added.

This season, Cook has gone 130-for-206 for 1,545 yards, 7 touchdowns, and one interception.

With Cook expected to not play against Alabama, Missouri will turn to Drew Pyne. Pyne began his college career at Notre Dame for three years and spent one season at ASU before transferring to Missouri.

To cover for Cook against Auburn, Pyne went 10-for-21 for 78 yards.

Missouri is an 18-point underdog on the road against Alabama on Saturday. The Tigers are currently 6-1, ranked 21st in the nation and coming off a 21-17 win over Auburn.