Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is out for the second half vs. Maryland with a shoulder injury
As the Michigan State Spartans found themselves surprisingly in a hard-fought contest with the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, they also were battling the injury bug to one of their most crucial offensive players. Quarterback Connor Cook exited the game in the first quarter, but returned on two separate occasions in the first half as he was playing through what was being called a shoulder injury.
However, as the Spartans came out for the second half, Cook was on the sideline wearing a headset and, as reported by multiple sources, it appears as if the senior quarterback will be on the sidelines for the rest of the game with the shoulder injury:
There's no word from MSU on Connor Cook, but he's got a headset on. Looking like MSU will try to get by without him.
— Joe Rexrode (@joerexrode) November 14, 2015
Clearly Connor Cook WANTS to play through shoulder pain. Prudent move to prevent further injury. hope he's 100% for showdown in Columbus.
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) November 14, 2015
As ESPN’s Chris Fowler states, it seems like Michigan State is electing to try and keep Cook at least as close to 100 percent in terms of his health as the Spartans go on the road to face the Ohio State Buckeyes next week. While the game against Maryland was closer than they’d expect or like, the matchup with the Buckeyes is a much more meaningful contest.
Cook is replaced against the Terps by junior quarterback Tyler O’Connor, who threw a touchdown pass in relief of Cook in the first half despite not having a passing attempt on the season coming into the Maryland game. However, the Spartans can rely on their running game and defense to close out the Terps and keep their star quarterback healthy for their clash in Columbus next week.