Missouri Tigers G-Day game will miss key players, including Brady Cook and Tamar Bates, due to injury recovery and precautions….***Full Details…***

The Missouri Tigers’ annual G-Day spring football game is approaching, but the team will be without several key contributors, most notably starting quarterback Brady Cook and standout guard Tamar Bates. Both players are sitting out as they continue recovery from injuries and as a precaution to ensure their readiness for the upcoming 2025 season.

Brady Cook’s Recovery and Role

Brady Cook, Missouri’s starting quarterback and offensive leader, will miss the G-Day game due to lingering effects of an ankle injury sustained during the 2024 season. Cook’s injury originally occurred in a hard-fought matchup against Auburn, where he left the game in the first quarter and was briefly hospitalized before making a surprising return to lead the Tigers to a gritty 21-17 win. Despite returning to action later in the season, Missouri’s coaching staff is opting to keep Cook sidelined for the spring game to avoid any setbacks. This cautious approach reflects the long-term importance of Cook’s health to Missouri’s aspirations in the highly competitive SEC.

Cook has become one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the conference, known for his toughness, leadership, and dual-threat ability. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz emphasized that while Cook is progressing well in his rehab, there’s no urgency to rush him back into action for a game that ultimately serves more as a developmental and evaluative tool than a must-win contest.

Tamar Bates Also Out

In addition to Cook, Missouri basketball-to-football crossover athlete Tamar Bates will also miss the G-Day game. Bates, who had been exploring an expanded athletic role with the Tigers football program following his basketball season, is recovering from a lower-body injury. While details surrounding the injury are being kept private, Missouri officials confirmed that he is being held out primarily as a precaution.

Bates had been turning heads during off-season workouts with his athleticism and versatility, and there was buzz around how he might be used in certain offensive packages or even on special teams. Although his absence will be felt, the team remains optimistic about his potential to contribute in the future.

Other Injuries and Player Updates

Missouri will also be without several other contributors due to minor injuries, off-season surgeries, and coaching decisions intended to limit wear and tear. The G-Day game is a key moment for evaluating the depth chart and giving younger or backup players valuable reps in a live-game environment. Players like redshirt freshman quarterback Jabari Johnson and early enrollee wide receiver Ryan Wingo are expected to see significant action in Cook and Bates’ absence.

What This Means for the Team

While the absence of stars like Cook and Bates might be disappointing for fans, it provides a critical opportunity for development and evaluation. Missouri’s staff will be closely watching the performance of backups and future starters to assess positional battles heading into summer workouts and fall camp.

Missouri fans can take solace in the fact that the program is taking a long-view approach, prioritizing health and preparation for the regular season over short-term exhibition outcomes. Cook and Bates are expected to be fully ready by the start of the 2025 campaign, keeping Missouri firmly in the mix in the SEC.