Rams Should Strongly Consider Shutting Down Brandin Cooks for the Season

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been plagued by injuries since the end of the 2017 season-- and those ailments are serious, as he's been diagnosed with four since that time, two of them coming in the last month alone. That's a big problem, and could lead to serious negative effects to his long-term health if not dealt with properly.

With his latest injury happening this past Sunday in London against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed the team is sending their star receiver to Pittsburgh to visit a specialist. While he says Cooks is "feeling good" and "quickly asymptomatic," the team needs to know for certain what's really going on considering how frequent these injuries have occurred.

The specialist's recommendation will rightly carry weight, but the Rams should still consider shutting down Cooks for the remainder of the season all the same.

Suffering four concussions in less than two years, including two this season alone, is extremely alarming. It's very much in doubt that a doctor would clear him to take an NFL field at this level of risk.

If you need another example, look at Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed. Dating back to his time at college, Reed was diagnosed with seven concussions in a 10-year span. His latest occurred in the preseason, and has shown trouble in fully recovering, leaving his career in jeopardy.

If you want to look at it from a financial standpoint, the Rams signed Cooks to a five-year, $81 million ($50.5 million guaranteed) back in 2018. Like in any business, a team wants to secure their investment.

Regardless of money, this is Brandin Cooks' well-being that's on the line. Given our expanded knowledge of the effects of concussions and CTE on the brain over time, the Rams should take his health into account and not be afraid to shut him down for the rest of the year.