Jared Cook Injury: Updates on Titans TE's Shoulder

Jared Cook was projected to have a career year in 2012, but he’s been held back by inconsistent quarterback play and now injury.

After catching three balls for 20 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Tennessee Titans tight end was forced to the sideline.

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 10 at 4:45 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The Titans' worst fears regarding Jared Cook's shoulder have become reality. 

Terry McCormick and Darren McFarland of 247 Sports reported the following via Twitter: 

"

Jared Cook tears rotator cuff out for year

— TitanInsider (@TitanInsider247) December 10, 2012"

The struggling Titans will miss the big target who contributed 44 catches for 523 yards and four touchdowns this season. 

---End of Update---

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reported the news.

"

Jared Cook injured shoulder in game and didn't return

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 9, 2012"

Like its quarterback play, Tennessee’s offense has been hampered by inconsistency this season. Cook is second on the team in receptions this year with 44 for 523 yards and four touchdowns. While the fourth-year pro continues to record underwhelming numbers, he’s still an athletic freak who’s capable of being a matchup nightmare, and the Titans will miss him greatly if he’s unable to suit up next week.

Tennessee’s final three games of the season are against the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars.

At least two of those games—the ones against the Jets and Jags at home—are winnable. Do the Titans need Cook to defeat those teams? No, but he’d definitely make doing so easier.

In terms of fantasy value, Cook isn’t worth the risk. If he doesn’t get into the end zone, he’s a fairly pitiful fantasy option. He’s never caught more than five passes this year—only twice did he catch more than four—and his highest single-game receiving yards mark is just 76 yards—and only twice did he go for over 55.

Of course, if Cook is still in your starting lineup, you likely don’t have many, if any, other options. But let’s just say he’s far more valuable to the Titans than he is to your fantasy team.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels