It's been a disappointing season for Brandin Cooks in more ways than one. Relief in the form of a trade appeared to be on the horizon, but the deadline passed on Tuesday with Cooks still on the Texans' roster. Now, he has to mentally prepare for a Thursday night matchup with the undefeated Eagles, but it's unclear if he'll be ready. Given his middling production, it's tempting to say "bench him" and move on, but with six teams on bye and reliable WR production tough to find on the waiver wire, Cooks will still figure into start 'em, sit 'em discussions as long as he's playing.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Cooks until the official active/inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 p.m. ET.
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Is Brandin Cooks playing Thursday night Week 9?
UPDATE: Cooks was a "DNP" on Wednesday and is officially "questionable" for Thursday's game against Philadelphia.
UPDATE 2: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Thursday morning that Cooks' status for Thursday's game against the Eagles is "up in the air." At this point, fantasy owners should prepare to be without Cooks.
UPDATE 3: ESPN's Ed Werder reported Thursday afternoon that Cooks will not play on Thursday night against Philadelphia.
Cooks (wrist) was "questionable" leading up to Week 8 but ultimately played, hauling in four-of-six targets for 73 yards. He missed practice on Tuesday, but considering he was an estimated "full practice" on Monday, his absence clearly had more to do with his involvement in numerous trade rumors. Cooks expressed frustration with the Texans after he wasn't moved by the deadline, and it's unclear if he'll suit up for Thursday night's game against Philadelphia.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
There's no physical reason why Cooks can't play on Thursday, so we tentatively expect him to be active. He remains Houston's best receiver, leading the team by a wide margin in targets (53), catches (32), and receiving yards (354). That said, he's been beyond blah for fantasy owners, producing just one TD while averaging 50.6 yards per game. Against a Philadelphia defense that's tied for the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game allowed to WRs, Cooks could be in for another disappointing night.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Nonetheless, it's tough to sit Cooks, especially in a week with six teams on bye. He gets steady targets, and his big-play potential gives him upside in virtually any matchup. Ample garbage-time opportunities likely await in this one, too, as it would be a surprise if Houston kept it close after three quarters.
If Cooks does take a personal day, look for Phillip Dorsett and Chris Moore to lead the Texans in targets. Both have some upside in single-game DFS contests, but season-long fantasy owners can't trust either receiver given their lack of production this season.
