Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook was placed on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp after having “preventative” surgery in June on his ailing foot.
According to Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Cook is still uncertain when he’ll be able to get back to practice with the Packers.
However, the surgery was minor and isn’t expected to hinder his availability for the start of the season.
“No, it wasn’t anything serious,” Cook said. “It was just, they didn’t want it to prolong and something happen later on down the road in season....I’d just rather be safe than sorry.”
But in joining a new teams, Cook will be missing valuable time to build a relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Cook missed the end of the offseason program due to the surgery and will have fewer days to build chemistry with Rodgers before the start of the regular season.
“Whether we’re in a new system or not,” Cook said, “you want to be out there on the field. That’s where you have the most fun. That’s what you’re basically bred to do. It’s not fun being separated from everybody and doing special drills to get you back. You want to be out there having fun with your teammates, but it’s just something I have to endure now so later on it’ll be better.”
The Packers hope the addition of Cook can add a second option at tight end to pair with Richard Rodgers.
Cook appeared in all 16 games with the St. Louis Rams last season. He caught 39 passes for 481 yards but did not find the end zone for the first time since his rookie season with Tennessee.