Here's Likely Why Brandin Cooks Isn't Playing Tonight vs. Eagles, per Report

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The struggling Houston Texans will take the field without their top receiver when they host the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

Wideout Brandin Cooks is healthy, but has not practiced in recent days and was ruled out for the matchup.

A report by ESPN’s Ed Werder has shed some light on the reason for Cooks’ absence, and how long it might last.

Werder reported that Cooks has dealt with a rollercoaster of emotions this week. He expected to be traded prior to Tuesday’s deadline, but the Texans ultimately kept him in Houston.

However, Werder said “there is belief” that he will return to the team following Thursday’s game.

“One person with Texans who knows Brandin Cooks well and regards him as a good person says he has struggled with rollercoaster emotions,” Werder tweeted. “Expected trade to a contender, only to remain with 1-5-1 Texans. There is belief he will take professional approach after tonight’s game.”

It wasn’t just Cooks who believed he would be playing for a new team this week, as his was a popular name in trade rumors.

But reports have emerged since Tuesday that the Texans were only willing to trade Cooks for both second- and fourth-round draft picks. No other teams were willing to pay that price for the ninth-year wideout.

Cooks expressed his frustration at not being dealt on social media. He has not participated in practice since prior to the trade deadline.

After consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards, he has struggled this year. Through seven games, he’s caught 34 passes for 354 yards and one score.

Cooks signed a two-year contract with the Texans before the season worth nearly $40 million.