The Baltimore Ravens evaluated veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks during a workout on Thursday, according to the NFL transaction wire, as the franchise seeks immediate depth for its receiving corps.
Injury Woes Mount in Baltimore
Baltimore faces immediate roster pressure following a wrist injury to rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, which will require surgery and land him on injured reserve, according to multiple reports. Meanwhile, star wide receiver Zay Flowers has missed practice sessions due to a hamstring injury sustained during the team’s 41-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1.
A Journeyman’s Extensive Resume
Cooks, who turns 33 next week, remains a free agent after splitting the previous season between the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints. According to league records, he appeared in 15 combined games last year, hauling in 24 receptions for 279 yards. The Ravens brought in the 12-year veteran as injuries mount at the position early in the regular season.
Cooks brings extensive experience to any potential suitor. Selected 20th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Saints out of Oregon State, the Stockton, California native has suited up in 173 career games across stints with New Orleans, the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills. Over 12 seasons, Cooks has accumulated 734 receptions for 9,811 yards and 60 touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark in six separate campaigns.
Late-Season Production in Buffalo
During his brief stint with Buffalo late last season after being waived by the Saints, Cooks emerged as a trusted deep threat for Josh Allen. He recorded four catches for 101 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 and added five receptions for 78 yards across two playoff games. His final target with the Bills came in overtime of a divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos, when a potential game-setting deep ball was contested and intercepted by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.
Decision Time Ahead of Sunday Kickoff
Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane addressed Cooks’ status during the offseason, stating at the NFL Annual League Meeting in April that discussions had taken place regarding a potential return, though the team ultimately entered the season with alternative depth. With Baltimore now stepping in to evaluate the veteran, the Ravens must decide whether to add him to the active roster ahead of their upcoming matchup.
The Ravens return to action on Sunday, hosting the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium. Team officials have not yet announced whether Cooks will be signed to a contract prior to kickoff.
>Worth a look
