The Kansas City Chiefs were already going to have a tough time coming back from a first-half deficit at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers given the way they're playing in Week 13. Now the climb back becomes that much harder with word that safety Bryan Cook has left the game with an injury.
Update: The Chiefs have officially ruled Cook as "out" with an ankle injury after getting x-rays in the locker room at Lambeau.
The Chiefs came out to play defense for the first time in the second half when A.J. Dillon sprung for a 14-yard catch. Cook was injured on the play and the Chiefs training staff came out to treat him on the field.
From there, Cook required significant medical treatment before the staff called for a medical cart to take him off of the field due to a serious lower leg injury.
For those who missed the play, it's below but warning that it's also difficult to watch:
Here’s #Chiefs safety Bryan Cook’s injury..
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) December 4, 2023
Ankle got bent and everyone knew immediately it was bad. pic.twitter.com/v2g6yMdFI7
Following the game, defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke highly of Cook's play and said he would be missed on defense. "Bryan's been playing so well for us," Jones said. "He's been a dominant force on the back end. For him to go down, I'm keeping him in my prayers. Hopefully, he can make a quick recovery."
Without Cook, the Chiefs will turn to Mike Edwards to replace him in the starting base defense, while rookie fourth-round pick Chamarri Conner climbs to the all-important third safety role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Edwards signed with the Chiefs this spring after a breakout season last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Conner was a tough, versatile tackler from Virginia Tech for whom the Chiefs traded up to get.
Cook joined the Chiefs as their second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after starring for the University of Cincinnati. After serving as a third safety last year playing behind Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid, Cook was elevated to a starting role alongside Reid in his second season and has been a solid performer for all 11 games so far. This year, he has 35 total tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, and 2 fumble recoveries.
The Chiefs have already lost a few players to injury in this game, including left tackle Donovan Smith with a neck injury and linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was placed in the team's concussion protocol. In addition, safety Justin Reid
It was a disappointing loss for the Chiefs though FanDuel Sportsbook is getting you back on track with a $150 bonus if the Chiefs beat the Bills! Deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on Kansas City to beat Buffalo and you'll get $150 in bonus bets if the Chiefs win. Sign up for FanDuel now!