The New Orleans Saints announced that starting tight end Jared Cook will not return to Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a concussion early in the first quarter. Cook was slow to get up after he took a strike to the head on his second touchdown catch in as many possessions, and had to be escorted to the locker room for further evaluations by the independent NFL neurologist and Saints medical staff.
It was looking like a breakout game for the veteran tight end, who has really come along in recent weeks after spending more time with quarterback Drew Brees. His loss makes the Saints dangerously thin at tight end; backup Josh Hill is the only other active tight end on the team, though reserve quarterback Taysom Hill can fill in temporarily.
New Orleans waived third-year reserve Dan Arnold and lost practice squad call-up Jason Vander Laan earlier this week. Their only remaining option is practice squad project Mitchell Loewen, who has only played defensive end in the NFL and isn’t eligible to be activated today.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Cook. Brain injuries like this can linger, and he’s already missed time earlier this season with an ankle injury. His high moments have been impressive but this setback is just the latest missed opportunity for him.
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