Report: Missouri's Noel expected to miss matchup vs. Alabama

Missouri running back Nate Noel won't be in the lineup for Saturday's game against No. 15 Alabama due to a foot injury, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Noel left last weekend's 21-17 win over Auburn after appearing to aggravate the ailment. He briefly returned to the game but was unable to contribute for the remainder of the contest.

The senior tailback is set to miss his second game in three weeks after not logging a snap in Missouri's 45-3 win over UMass on Oct. 12.

Noel leads the Tigers with 503 rushing yards and a 5.9 yards-per-carry average to go along with two touchdowns. Marcus Carroll, Jamal Roberts, and Kewan Lacy are in line to receive more snaps with Noel sidelined.

It's unclear if Missouri will have quarterback Brady Cook this weekend as he continues to deal with a lingering ankle injury. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz wouldn't reveal if the Tigers' QB would participate in practice this week when asked Tuesday.

The star signal-caller exited in the first quarter but made a remarkable comeback late in the third frame to help lead the Tigers to a fourth-quarter comeback against Auburn.

Drew Pyne could be in line to start if Cook is unavailable Saturday.