Report: Missouri expected to face Alabama without Cook, Noel

No. 21 Missouri will likely be missing key offensive starters for Saturday's game against No. 15 Alabama.

Quarterback Brady Cook is considered doubtful due to an ankle injury, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Running back Nate Noel is also expected to miss out due to a foot injury, Thamel reports.

Cook has reportedly been "extremely limited" in practice this week. He sustained the injury in the first quarter of last week's win over Auburn and was taken to the hospital. However, he managed to return to the game and helped Missouri claim a 21-17 victory.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz didn't reveal if the signal-caller would participate in practice this week when asked Tuesday. Cook has completed 63% of his passes for 1,545 yards and seven touchdowns against one interception this season. Drew Pyne, who's attempted 43 passes but has yet to throw a TD in 2024, is in line to start.

Noel, meanwhile, left last weekend's win after appearing to aggravate his foot issue. He briefly returned to the game but was unable to contribute.

The senior tailback is set to miss his second game in three weeks after not logging a snap in Missouri's 45-3 win over UMass on Oct. 12. He leads the Tigers with 503 rushing yards and a 5.9 yards-per-carry average to go along with two touchdowns. Marcus Carroll, Jamal Roberts, and Kewan Lacy are in line to receive more snaps.