Sources – Missouri QB Brady Cook is trying to play at Alabama

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook was upgraded to questionable on the SEC injury report Friday night, and sources told ESPN he is expected to suit up Saturday and try to play at No. 15 Alabama.

Cook's ability to play for No. 21 Missouri and his effectiveness with his injured right ankle remain questionable. Sources told ESPN that Cook was wearing a cleat when Missouri had a walk-through at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Friday and that he did not do anything significant in terms of activity at practice this week.

Cook left last week's Auburn game because of the injury. After undergoing 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 victory.

If Cook is able to play, he is unlikely to be 100 percent due to the ankle.

Cook has started 34 straight games for Missouri, including all meetings during the 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons. He has thrown seven touchdowns and just one interception this season and has completed 66.4% of his passes for 8,261 yards over his career.

If Cook is unable to participate or is limited, Missouri will turn to veteran backup Drew Pyne, who has played in 11 career games during his time at Notre Dame and Arizona State. He completed first-team reps in training 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 travel to Alabama, and starting wide receiver Mookie Cooper.

Both Missouri (6-1) and Alabama (5-2) entered the season with high expectations, but a stunning loss by the Tigers and two losses by the Tide have dimmed those hopes. Saturday's matchup is considered a College Football Playoff elimination game for the loser.

Missouri has a bye next week, which could theoretically give Cook and a banged-up roster a chance to bounce back.