(Photo Credit: Jamie Squire: Getty Images)

For the second time this season, the Mizzou football team loses a key offensive starter.

Mizzou wide receiver Mookie Cooper underwent surgery Tuesday morning for an undisclosed injury that has kept him out the past four games, per a post to his Instagram story. 

Tuesday during his weekly media availability, Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed that the surgery was season-ending and, because this is Cooper’s last year of collegiate eligibility, will end his college career.

“Mookie is a very special player to us and to myself,” Drinkwitz said. “Came here (as) a transfer, and again, one of those guys who came and chose Mizzou when we needed him the most, and his last real play of the year is going to be remembered as the one that sparked us to beat Auburn, and so got a ton of respect for Mookie, the way he goes about his business; his commitment to our team and unselfishness, and we’re certainly going to miss him. Very proud of him.”

The speedy Cooper originally spent a season at Ohio State after committing to the Buckeyes out of Trinity Catholic and Pattonville High in St. Louis. He then transferred to the Tigers and played 40 games for Mizzou between 2021-24.

Over the course of those four years in Columbia, Cooper caught 91 passes for 1,174 yards and one touchdown, which came on a 60-yard reception in 2021 against South Carolina.

The Tigers are expected to add top-100 national prospect Donovan Olugbode and Ironton, Ohio, product Shaun Terry at wide receiver its Class of 2025. The early national signing period for football opens Dec. 4.