COLUMBIA, Mo. — Want to know how Missouri quarterback Brady Cook’s ankle is doing ahead of Saturday’s game against Alabama? Join the club.
Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz declined to offer any update of substance on Cook’s health or availability, other than saying it’s unlikely Cook will participate in Tuesday’s practice. A portion of that practice is traditionally open to the media each week, but Drinkwitz and MU are barring reporters from attending this one.
“I know everyone’s going to want a health update with our guys,†Drinkwitz said at the start of his weekly news conference. “I don’t have much of one just because we haven’t practiced. We practice this (Tuesday) afternoon. We’ll follow SEC protocols, and we’ll get that information out (Wednesday) night.â€
The Southeastern Conference requires teams to offer status reports on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings as well as 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday. Players can be designated as probable, questionable, doubtful or out on those reports.
Drinkwitz didn’t seem optimistic about whether Cook would actually be going through any drills at Tuesday’s practice.
“I don’t know if I’d say ‘participate,’†Drinkwitz said in response to a question about whether Cook would be there. “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.â€
Cook suffered an apparent high-ankle sprain early in No. 21 Missouri’s game against Auburn after being taken down with a hip-drop tackle. He left the game and visited University Hospital for an MRI before deciding to receive treatment for pain at the stadium and return — which resulted in him leading a comeback victory.
His ankle appeared swollen in the immediate aftermath of the game, so it would make sense for him to be limited or held out of practices early in the week — or perhaps for the entire week leading up to Saturday’s road game against Alabama. If Cook can make it through that matchup, the Tigers then have their second bye week of the season for his ankle to heal.
Cook wasn’t the only player reporters would have been watching for at Tuesday’s practice. Wide receiver Marquis Johnson was a late scratch against Auburn. He entered the day as a true game-time decision and participated in warmups as usual but pulled up with a limp and was in street clothes by kickoff.
Running back Nate Noel exited the contest early with a foot injury. Drinkwitz said immediately after the game that the team didn’t think it was broken but didn’t have a clear sense of what the injury was.
Mizzou NIL product line expands
Missouri’s in-house name, image and likeness agency has added to its growing line of grocery products that feature MU athletes, continuing to target the St. ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë market and promote local players in its effort.
Every True Tiger Brands, which has evolved from an NIL collective to a marketing agency, is set to release six bagged coffee products in Schnucks stores around the state and region. Each of the coffee varieties — three roasts and three flavors, including a Tiger Tracks ice cream-tasting blend — features a Mizzou athlete who had earned academic honors at the university.
MU football’s Kristian Williams, men’s basketball’s Tamar Bates, gymnastics’ Kennedy Griffin, wrestling’s Noah Surtin, softball’s Kayley Lenger and volleyball’s Maya Sands are the six athletes included in the coffee line’s branding.
Every True Tiger Brands also recently released a candy mix that features offensive lineman Cayden Green and Francis Howell product Brett Norfleet. Another pizza variant that has St. ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë-area defensive backs Marvin Burks Jr., Toriano Pride Jr. and Ja’Marion Wayne has also hit store shelves.
As a whole, Mizzou’s NIL food venture is up to 20 different products.
“Partnerships like this with Schnucks and best of the best product vendors like St. ÑÇÖÞÎÞÂë based Ronnoco Coffee are the true definition of name, image and likeness brand opportunities,†Every True Tiger Brands CEO Brad Larrondo said in a statement. “It’s a true win-win-win as our athletes are partnered in brand building and consumer activation with one of the top grocery brands in the country. Schnucks and Mizzou Athletics align for statewide cross-promotion. And, fans and shoppers are rewarded with great tasting products and commemorative packaging that support student-athletes in the rapidly evolving world of NIL in college athletics.â€