Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks won't play Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced.
Cooks, who was initially listed on the injury report with a wrist ailment, will miss Week 9 due to personal reasons, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
The wideout was widely rumored to be a trade candidate ahead of Tuesday's deadline, but the Texans opted to keep the veteran. Cooks later seemingly expressed his disappointment at not being traded.
Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022
With a deal expected, Cooks stayed away from the team for most of this week, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys were reportedly among the clubs pursuing the pass-catcher.
Houston isn't expected to consider releasing Cooks, a source told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.
This might surprise some: We should NOT expect a release for Brandin Cooks right now, a source tells @theScore. #Texans have no plans to go that route, barring changes…
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 3, 2022
Unclear if the two sides would ultimately consider re-structuring Cooks’ contract.
The Texans and Cooks will "continue to talk and try for a reset" after Week 9, added Garafolo.
Houston also listed the receiver on its injury report with a wrist issue.
The Texans will be severely shorthanded at receiver against the undefeated Eagles as Nico Collins also remains sidelined with a groin injury. Phillip Dorsett, Chris Moore, and Tyron Johnson are set to lead the unit.
Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in his first two years in Houston, Cooks leads the team in receiving yards (354) and catches (32) this season. He signed a two-year extension reportedly worth $39.6 million in April.
