As Missouri quarterback Brady Cook left for the locker room after sustaining an ankle injury in the first quarter against Auburn, a team spokesperson said he was "unlikely to return."
One hospital trip for an MRI later, Cook retook the field to lead the Tigers to a 21-17 comeback win against Auburn -- a win that left him visibly emotional postgame.
Cook reentered the game in the third quarter as Mizzou faced a 17-6 deficit.
He made an immediate impact.
Cook connected with receiver Mookie Cooper for a 78-yard pass that set up Marcus Carroll's rushing TD to close out the frame. The Tigers' defense held steady and allowed for Cook to put together a 95-yard drive with 4:26 left that resulted in running back Jamal Roberts' game-winning touchdown.
"It was a long hour and a half for sure," Cook said of his time out of the game. "I did not think I was going to come back to play in the game. My stuff was off, my pads were off.
"Ultimately, I realized I had two-and-a-half games left to play at Faurot, in front of that crowd, in front of Mizzou."
The Tiger veteran finished his day 11-for-22 with 194 yards through the air in less than two full quarters.
"For all that criticism that young man takes, 12 sure would die on that field for everybody," head coach Eli Drinkwitz said. "For him to be out there and put his body on the line for us is incredible and ought to be inspiring to everybody that watched it today."
Cook's performance gained attention across the board: from the Mizzou faithful, former players and media members.