The Bengals may be getting a key piece of their secondary back just in time for Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins, and Bryan Cook sounds optimistic about his chances.
Cook took a step forward in practice Thursday, working in a limited capacity after sitting out completely on Wednesday because of an ankle injury. Afterward, he made it clear he’s pushing to get back on the field.
“Kind of frustrating, but I'm trying to figure it out,” Cook said at his locker. “Very hopeful, I'm trying to do everything I can to be out there.”
Cook didn’t stop there. He explained that his presence matters in specific spots for the defense and that he believes he can help prevent mistakes before they happen.
“They depend on me in certain aspects, some things that on the field like 'this person made a mistake' but I feel like me not being out there can hurt,” Cook said. “I can help to a certain extent like certain plays that may have been a mistake, I feel like I could have been out there and said something to correct it before that play even happened.”
Still, Cook stressed that he won’t rush himself back unless he’s ready to give the Bengals what they need.
“You know how much I love my teammates, and I want to be playing but I can’t be selfish in that aspect, But at the same time, I feel if I'm not being who they need me to be on the team, on the field, I'm hurting my teammates," Cook said. "So I never let that happen.
It's always team first at the end of the day. So if I can be what I need to be for my team, I'll be out there, and if I feel like I'm giving them less than myself, I’ll never let that happen.
It’s always team-first at the end of the day.”
Last week, Cincinnati elevated Russ Yeast from the practice squad to rotate with PJ Jules at safety, opposite Jordan Battle. Both players held up well, and they could be in line for another week of action.
Cook’s return remains a positive sign, though the Bengals also have a bye week ahead, which could give Zac Taylor and the staff a reason to keep him on the mend a little longer if they choose.
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