Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL over the past few years.
The veteran has been a top-20 wide receiver in six of the previous seven seasons before this year. Unfortunately, Davis Mills and Houston’s offense have been such a disaster that it has dramatically impacted Cooks’ fantasy value.
Fantasy players were hopeful that the Texans would trade Cooks to a better situation before Tuesday’s trade deadline. However, the deadline passed, and the veteran remains part of the team.
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Is Brandin Cooks Healthy Or Injured?
Cooks showed up on the injury report late last week with a wrist injury. Yet, he played the Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The veteran receiver caught four of his six targets for 73 receiving yards and scored 9.3 half-point PPR fantasy points against the divisional rival.
However, Cooks reportedly won’t play tonight due to what the Texans have described as personal reasons.
The veteran receiver voiced his frustrations on Twitter after not getting traded at the deadline. Cooks was hoping to get traded to a contender. Instead, he remains on the 1-5-1 Texans, at least for the time being.
Who On The Waiver Wire Can I Add To Replace Brandin Cooks This Week?
With six teams on a bye this week, it might be difficult for fantasy players to find a replacement option for Cooks.
The first two names fantasy players should look for are Joshua Palmer and Romeo Doubs. Both are rostered in roughly 50% of ESPN leagues. If either is available on the waiver wire, fantasy players should add them to their roster.
However, another solid option is Alec Pierce. The rookie has played well for the Indianapolis Colts this season. He has averaged four receptions on six targets for 62.2 receiving yards and 9.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game since Week 1.
More importantly, the former Cincinnati Bearcat played well in Sam Ehlinger’s first career start last week. He was second on the team in targets (five), finishing with three more than Parris Campbell despite playing 22% fewer snaps. Pierce also made a couple of impressive plays downfield against the Washington Commanders. The rookie is available in 75.2% of ESPN leagues.
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