Brandin Cooks: (Thumb) Lands On Injured Reserve

The Saints placed Cooks (thumb) on injured reserve Tuesday, ESPN's Field Yates reports.

Analysis:

Cooks could have returned to the Saints in late December, but Tuesday's decision means he will not play again this season. He will finish his injury-shortened rookie season with 53 receptions for 550 yards, seven rushes for 73 yards, and four touchdowns. He was a big part of the Saints' offense right out of the gate, and figures to again be a key contributor when he returns to action in 2015.