Connor Cook Injury Update: Will Michigan State QB play vs Ohio State?

Connor Cook had to leave Michigan State’s win over Maryland on Saturday with a shoulder injury, but will he be healthy enough to play next week against Ohio State?

The Michigan State Spartans held their breath after star quarterback Connor Cook hurt his throwing shoulder and was in visible pain on the sideline in the first quarter. He returned to the game briefly but Tyler O’Connor played the entire second half and led the Spartans to the 24-7 win over the Terps.

They didn’t need Cook to beat Maryland, but Mark Dantonio will need the program’s all-time winningest quarterback to be at his best for next weekend’s game at Ohio State and it sounds like he’ll be available.

“I’ll be fine to go next week,” Cook said, via Mlive.com. “I’ll be good”

Cook said his absence from the game was merely precautionary after taking the big hit from Maryland defensive end Azubuike Ukandu and despite completing six of his 20 passes said the pain didn’t effect him on the field. Though that’s largely debatable after Cook, who led the Big Ten in passing efficiency and touchdown passes looked like a far cry from himself.

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But pulling Cook from the game and protecting himself from further injury was the wise decision by the coaching and medical staff. Michigan State lost their first game of the year last weekend against Nebraska but they still have a chance to win the Big Ten East with a win over Ohio State who remained undefeated with a 28-3 win over Illinois.