James Cook III Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Bills vs Texans game on Thursday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 16, 2025
Claws way to over 100 total yards
Cook rushed 16 times for 48 yards and secured all three targets for 66 yards in the Bills' 44-32 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Cook unsurprisingly found running room at a premium against a stingy Buccaneers front, but he was able to salvage his fantasy day with his best work of the season as a receiver. The fourth-year pro contributed a 25-yard touchdown reception on his three catches, and he finished with a season-high receiving yardage total. The going doesn't get any easier for Cook in Week 12, however, as the Bills face a tough Texans defense on the road in a Thursday night matchup.
Nov 9, 2025
Opportunities capped in loss
Cook rushed 13 times for 53 yards and brought in all five targets for 24 yards in the Bills' 30-13 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Cook was involved as a receiver at his highest clip since Week 1, as the Bills were already down 16-0 at halftime and therefore were in catch-up mode throughout the second half. The talented back did run hard with his limited opportunities on the ground, but he finished tied for a season low in carries and also lost a fumble in Dolphins territory early in the second quarter that helped lead to a Miami field goal. The downturn was drastic after Cook had rushed for 330 yards and two touchdowns over the previous two games, but he'll look to bounce back in Week 11 at home against a typically stingy Buccaneers run defense that showed some cracks against the Patriots' TreVeyon Henderson on Sunday.
Nov 7, 2025
Clear for Week 10
Cook (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at Miami.
ANALYSIS
After Cook sat out Wednesday's practice due to a foot injury, coach Sean McDermott told Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com that the running back's health concern emerged during this past Sunday's win against the Chiefs and that he'd been sore in the meantime. Cook followed up Wednesday's DNP with a limited session Thursday and a full practice Friday, thereby clearing him for Week 10 action. He'll be facing a Dolphins defense Sunday against whom he went for 118 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 22 touches back in Week 3.
Nov 6, 2025
Limited in return to practice
Cook (ankle) was limited at practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
On the heels of logging a 'DNP' on Wednesday, Cook is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins after returning a limited session Thursday. The Bills' top RB will now have one more chance to upgrade his participation level before the team assigns Week 10 injury designations Friday.
Nov 6, 2025
Returns to practice
Cook (ankle) was present for Thursday's practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook didn't practice Wednesday due to a listed ankle issue, but the running back's return to the field a day later is a positive indicator with regard to his Week 10 availability. The Bills' next injury report will clarify Cook's official participation level in Thursday's practice.
Nov 5, 2025
Not practicing Wednesday
Cook (ankle/foot) won't practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, coach Sean McDermott noted the injury that will sidelined Cook Wednesday popped up during this past Sunday's win over the Chiefs, while adding that the running back has been sore the last couple days. Cook thus has two more chances to practice ahead of this weekend's game against the Dolphins, but if he's limited or out in Week 10, added snaps would be available for Ty Johnson and Ray Davis.
Nov 2, 2025
Cracks century mark against KC
Cook rushed for 114 yards on 27 carries while catching his only target for 11 yards in Sunday's 28-21 win over the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Cook set a new high-water mark for touches in a single game this season (28), while finishing with a game-high 125 yards from scrimmage. The talented rusher did all of the heavy lifting for the Bills between the 20s, allowing for backup Ty Johnson and QB Josh Allen to hit pay dirt on the ground Sunday. Cook entered Sunday's contest averaging a touchdown scored per game this season, so managers will have to live with "just" another 100-yard performance (his fifth on the year). Look for Cook to potentially get back into the scoring column against the Dolphins next Sunday, after torching Miami's defense for 108 yards and a touchdown when these two teams met back in Week 3.
Oct 26, 2025
Career-best performance in win
Cook rushed 19 times for 216 yards and two touchdowns in the Bills' 40-9 win over the Panthers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Cook's yardage total was unsurprisingly a career-best figure, one the fourth-year back accomplished with seven runs of 10-plus yards, including a 64-yard touchdown run just past the midway point of the second quarter. The talented back added a 21-yard scoring run with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, and he was able to take an early seat thanks to Buffalo's expansive lead. Cook has now eclipsed the 100-yard mark in four of the last six games following a 44-yard season opener against the Ravens, and he'll remain an elite option in all formats for a Week 9 home showdown against the Chiefs next Sunday afternoon.
Oct 13, 2025
Solid rushing night in loss
Cook rushed 17 times for 87 yards and didn't draw a target in the Bills' 24-14 loss to the Falcons on Monday night.
ANALYSIS
Cook enjoyed a solid night on the ground despite game script working against the run as the game unfolded, bouncing back nicely from a 49-yard output in the Week 5 loss to the Patriots. However, Cook failed to draw a target for the first time this season after failing to haul in the one pass thrown his way in Week 5, a relatively rare slump for him as a pass catcher. Cook's fantasy value remains significantly elevated in all formats, however, and he draws a favorable matchup on the road against the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 26 following Buffalo's Week 7 bye.
Oct 6, 2025
Held in check by New England
Cook rushed the ball 15 times for 49 yards in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Patriots. He did not catch his only target.
ANALYSIS
Cook endured his worst game of the season both as a rusher and receiver. His longest rush of the day went for only nine yards, and he also went without a catch for the first time on the campaign. Positively, Cook still dominated opportunity out of Bills' backfield, with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson combining to see only four rushing attempts with zero targets. Cook should have a strong chance of bouncing back in Week 6 against Atlanta.
Sep 28, 2025
Eclipses century mark in win
Cook rushed 22 times for 117 yards and a touchdown while bringing in three of four targets for 18 yards in the Bills' 31-19 win over the Saints on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The Bills arguably underperformed most of the afternoon given their status as significant home favorites, but Cook's play didn't disappoint. The speedy back was over the 100-yard mark on the ground for the third straight game, and he extended his season-opening streak of rushing touchdowns to four games with a one-yard scoring run late in the first quarter. Cook is averaging 5.4 yards per carry overall, even when factoring in an average of 3.4 yards per tote Week 1 against the Ravens. The versatile fourth-year pro also has multiple catches in three of the first four games heading into a Week 5 AFC East home showdown against the Patriots next Sunday night.
Sep 18, 2025
Eclipses 100 total yards in win
Cook rushed 19 times for 108 yards and a touchdown and brought in all three targets for 10 yards in the Bills' 31-21 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Cook served as the ideal complement to the exploits of Josh Allen through the air (228 yards, three touchdowns). The star running back had a game-long run of 26 yards, so he was able to consistently find running room throughout the night. The 2022 second-round pick also recorded his fourth rushing touchdown of the season on a two-yard run to cap off the first drive of the second half, and he'll take a stellar figure of 5.4 yards per carry into a Week 4 home matchup against the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Sep 14, 2025
Two TDs in Week 2 win
Cook rushed 21 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns while catching his only target for three yards in Sunday's 30-10 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Cook once again operated as the clear lead back, as Ray Davis and Ty Johnson combined for just 30 scrimmage yards, with most of the backups' opportunities coming after the game was well in hand. Buffalo capitalized on a drive-extending roughing the passer penalty to open the scoring with a one-yard Cook rushing touchdown, and he added a 44-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to extend the lead to 20-0. Cook's versatile skill set allows him to stay heavily involved regardless of game script, and he has three total touchdowns heading into Thursday's Week 3 home game against the 0-2 Dolphins after racking up 18 scrimmage TDs in the 2024 regular season.
Sep 12, 2025
Set for Week 2 action
Cook (hamstring) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest at the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Cook was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring issue, but a full walkthrough Thursday and uncapped session Friday has cleared him to handle his typical role as the Bills' No. 1 running back. In a season-opening win against the Ravens, he earned 56 percent of the offensive snaps and turned 18 touches into 102 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD, while reserve RBs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson combined for four touches for 25 total yards.
Sep 11, 2025
Full participant Thursday
Cook (hamstring) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's walk-through.
ANALYSIS
Cook was limited by a hamstring injury Wednesday, but Thursday's full participation listing suggests he isn't in any danger of sitting out against the Jets in Week 2. In the Bills' season-opening win over Baltimore, Cook turned 18 touches into 102 scrimmage yards and a touchdown while Ray Davis and Ty Johnson combined for 25 yards on four touches.
Sep 10, 2025
Logs limited practice
Cook (hamstring) was listed as limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
In the Bills' 41-40 win over the Ravens in Week 1, Cook logged 48 of a possible 85 snaps on offense, en route to carrying 13 times for 44 yards and a TD while catching all five of his targets for 58 yards. It's unclear if his hamstring issue stems from Buffalo's season opener, or is the result of something that occurred Wednesday. Either way, Cook -- who is backed up by Ray Davis and Ty Johnson -- has two more chances to work fully ahead of Sunday's contest against the Jets.
Sep 8, 2025
Tops 100 scrimmage yards with TD
Cook rushed 13 times for 44 yards and a touchdown while catching all five of his targets for 58 yards in Sunday's 41-40 win over the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Cook heated up after a quiet first half. He scored a two-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and came two yards shy of tacking on a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter, settling for a 51-yard gain on the play. Cook led the team in rushing yards and exceeded 100 scrimmage yards while Ty Johnson and Ray Davis combined for just three carries and three targets, so Cook unsurprisingly remains the clear lead back after signing a four-year, $48 million extension in August. Buffalo played catch-up throughout this win and will hope for a better defensive performance, which would allow for a more run-heavy game script, in Week 2 against the Jets.
Aug 13, 2025
Four-year extension with Bills
Cook and the Bills have reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension for the running back, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Per the report, Cook's four-year pact is for $48 million and includes $30 million guaranteed. The 2022 second-rounder, who had returned to practice Tuesday following a four day 'hold-in' is thus a candidate to play against the Bears on Sunday after not seeing any action in the Bills' preseason opener this past Saturday. As the 2025 regular season approaches, Cook remains the clear leader of a Buffalo backfield that also includes Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.
Aug 12, 2025
In line to practice Tuesday
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Tuesday that Cook is expected to practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook is seeking a contract extension and hadn't practiced for roughly the last week, in what looked like a shift to a "hold in" strategy after he had begun training camp as an on-field participant. McDermott said Tuesday that "things have changed," leading to Cook's return to practice, and that "the information that we're getting is that he's moving in the right direction," per Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News. Those comments seem like an indication of positive development regarding contract negotiations, McDermott cautioned that he's taking the scenario day by day, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson have handled the majority of first-team reps during Cook's hold in.
Aug 9, 2025
Doesn't play Saturday
Cook, who was in uniform during pre-game warmups, didn't play in Saturday's 34-25 preseason loss to the Giants, Jonah Bronstein of wivb.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After reporting to training camp and fully participating for the first two weeks, Cook had been "holding in" since Sunday, citing "business" reasons for his non-participation in the team's last four practices. On Saturday, however, Cook took one rep with the Bills' first-team offense during warmups before sitting out a contest that top QB Josh Allen was held out of. Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, coach Sean McDermott noted that he had a conversation with Cook on Friday, with the running back agreeing to warm up, but declining to play Saturday due to his contract situation.
Aug 9, 2025
Spotted in warmups Saturday
Cook participated in warmups ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Giants, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
While it's unclear if the running back will see any action in the contest, the fact the Cook is in uniform Saturday after having been sitting out practice of late is worth noting. Cook, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Bills, is seeking an extension with the team.
Aug 7, 2025
No return to practice
Cook (contract) isn't practicing Thursday, Alex Brasky of Bills Digest reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook is out for a fourth straight practice, after making it clear over the weekend that he was sitting out (or "holding in") for "business" reasons. Bills coach Sean McDermott said Thursday morning that he expected Cook to practice, but the running back wasn't with his teammates when they went out on the field for the start of the session. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson will continue taking most of the first-team snaps in Cook's absence.
Aug 6, 2025
No practice again
Cook (contract) won't practice Wednesday, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
ANALYSIS
The hold in extends to a third straight practice, with Cook showing up to the team facility but refraining from on-field activities for what he's called "business" reasons. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract and seeking an extension, after finishing the 2024 regular season with 18 touchdowns in 16 games. Cook took part in June minicamp and the first week-plus of training camp, seemingly without limitations.
Aug 4, 2025
Not practicing Monday
Cook is present for Monday's practice but not in uniform as he seeks a new contract, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
He reported for June minicamp and the start of training camp, before switching things up Sunday and seemingly moving to a "hold in" approach -- whereby he shows up to practice and meetings but doesn't do on-field work. When reporters asked him Sunday why he wasn't practicing, Cook simply said "business", a one-word answer that was also his response to the beat writers' other questions. In any case, his absence from practice frees up more first-team reps for Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.
Aug 3, 2025
No practice for 'business' reasons
Cook didn't practice Sunday and said that the reason was "business" when asked after the session, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook is seeking a contract extension, but he reported for training camp and had previously been participating in practice. The star running back worked out on an exercise bike Sunday but didn't take part in team practice, per Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo. Cook's explanation for his lack of participation may suggest that he's planning to "hold in," meaning he could show up to practice but not actually take part while he remains without an extension. When Cook was asked Sunday if he'd return to practice Monday, his one-word answer was again "business."
Jul 24, 2025
Still wants new contract
Despite reporting for training camp this week and practicing fully with the team, Cook said Thursday that he still wants a contract extension, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
"We have talks," Cook said. "I mean, I deserve what I want, I need, and it's going to eventually happen." Cook, however, realizes the extension he desires may not come from Buffalo. "I mean, however it happens, it's going to get done," Cook continued. "Wherever it happens at." Cook has said he wants "$15 million" per year on a new deal. The two sides continue to have conversations, but nothing appears imminent. Cook may be forced to play out the final year of his rookie contract and deal with the contractual side of things again next offseason, where the Bills would have the option to use the franchise tag on him.
Jul 23, 2025
Practices fully Wednesday
Cook participated fully in Wednesday's training camp practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook, who's seeking a new deal with the Bills, wasn't in attendance for voluntary workouts or OTA's in the early spring -- but was present for the team's mandatory minicamp last month, and is now "ready to go" for training camp, per coach Sean McDermott, via Alec White of the Bills' official site. As the coming campaign approaches, Cook remains locked in as Buffalo's top back, with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson set to reprise their complementary roles in the team's backfield.
Jul 22, 2025
Reporting for camp
Cook (contract dispute) is reporting for the start of training camp but won't necessarily be a full participant, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Seeking an extension in the final year of his rookie contract, Cook stayed away from the Bills throughout OTAs before showing up for mandatory minicamp in mid-June. Reports back in June weren't optimistic about progress on an extension, but Pelissero notes that Cook still wants to stay in Buffalo. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests Cook may end up "holding in", which would mean attending practices and meetings (and avoiding fines) but not actually practicing.
Jun 10, 2025
Shows up for minicamp
Cook is present for the start of Buffalo's mandatory minicamp Tuesday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook skipped voluntary OTAs amid his ongoing negotiations for a new contract with the Bills, but the 2022 second-round pick won't opt to hold out from mandatory minicamp, for which he would accrue fines. His presence at minicamp could indicate that contract talks have progressed beyond the point of being a "stalemate," as Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network described the situation early June. After rushing 207 times for 1,009 yards and a career-high 16 touchdowns across 16 regular-season appearances in 2024, plus a 32-258-2 receiving line, Cook is now staring down the final year of his rookie deal.
Jun 7, 2025
Not certain to attend minicamp
Cook and the Bills "aren't close" to an agreement on an extension, and it's unclear if the running back will hold out of mandatory minicamp, which begins Tuesday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Wolfe describes extension negotiations between the two sides as "a stalemate" and suggests that Cook could hold out of minicamp, which would likely result in a fine. The star running back already missed OTAs in both April and May, though those workouts were voluntary as opposed to the upcoming mandatory camp. Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking an extension after racking up a career-high 16 rushing touchdowns and adding two receiving TDs across 16 regular-season games last year.
May 27, 2025
Not at voluntary OTAs
Cook wasn't present for Tuesday's voluntary organized team activities, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
While Cook isn't participation in the Bills' voluntary OTAs, coach Sean McDermott noted that he's remained in contact with the running back, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal and seeking a contract extension. "Yeah, we're staying in touch, like you'd expect a player and a coach to do," McDermott said of the 2022 second-rounder. "So, James will be here when he's ready to be here and we move forward." While it remains to be seen whether Cook will be on the field for the team's mandatory minicamp (June 10-12), GM Brandon Beane maintains that he expects Buffalo's leading rusher to be ready to go for the 2025 season. Assuming that's the case, Cook will continue to lead to a backfield which returns his top two backups from last season, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.
Apr 22, 2025
Skipping voluntary workouts
Cook is not present for the start of voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.
ANALYSIS
Bills general manager Brandon Beane said it's "not fair" to assume Cook's absence at voluntary OTAs is related to his desire for a new contract, adding that "he'll be ready to go" for mandatory offseason activities. Nonetheless, coming off a 2024 campaign in which he scored 18 touchdowns (16 rushing) despite playing just 48 percent of offensive snaps in his 16 regular-season appearances, Cook has been open about his desire for both a substantial extension and increased playing time. Still, Buffalo has Ray Davis entering Year 2, and the team opted to re-sign pending free agent Ty Johnson, indicating some level of commitment to a backfield rotation. How much attention the team plays to the running back position in the 2025 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday, could be telling as to Cook's odds of attaining a new deal. He's currently heading into the final year of his rookie contract after having compiled back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Feb 21, 2025
Wants extension, more playing time
Cook is seeking a contract extension and said he'd like to get more playing time as well, Ryan Talbot of newyorkupstate.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook scored 18 touchdowns during the 2024 regular season despite playing just 48 percent of snaps in his 16 appearances. He got a carry or target on 50.5 percent of his snaps, which helped make up for the modest playing time and allowed for a second straight 1,000-yard rushing season. He's perhaps the most obvious TD regression candidate in the league for 2025, but he can make up for any losses in per-touch productivity if the Bills give him a larger workload. That's far from guaranteed, of course, considering Cook is one of the league's smaller lead backs (listed at 190 pounds) and has 2024 fourth-round pick Ray Davis behind him on the depth chart. Ty Johnson also got a lot of playing time in 2024, mostly in clear passing situations, but he's scheduled for unrestricted free agency, whereas Cook has one year remaining on his rookie contract.
Jan 26, 2025
Finishes season with 19 rushing TDs
Cook rushed 13 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns while catching all three of his targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 32-29 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
ANALYSIS
Cook gave the Bills a 10-7 lead with a six-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter and put Buffalo back in front, 22-21, by stretching the ball out for a one-yard touchdown on fourth down just before his knee went down in the third quarter. That turned out to be Buffalo's last lead of the season, as the Chiefs advanced to a third consecutive Super Bowl thanks to an 11-7 scoring edge in the fourth quarter while the Josh Allen-led Bills fell to 0-4 against Kansas City in the playoffs. Cook scored 19 rushing touchdowns in 19 games between the regular season and playoffs, so the second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft projects to be one of the most coveted running backs in fantasy football in 2025, which will be the final year of Cook's rookie contract.
Jan 19, 2025
Posts 82 scrimmage yards in win
Cook rushed 17 times for 67 yards and caught all three of his targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 27-25 AFC divisional-round win over the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Cook tied for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season and added another touchdown on the ground in the wild-card round against the Broncos, but he didn't account for any of Buffalo's three rushing scores in the AFC divisional round. Ray Davis got the call for a one-yard touchdown on the opening drive and Josh Allen tacked on two first-half touchdowns with his legs, but Cook easily led the team in rushing yards, as no teammate had more than 31. Cook also finished second on the team in receiving yards, so he was heavily involved despite failing to score. He'll continue to be a key cog in Buffalo's offense in the AFC Championship Game against Kansas City's stout run defense.
Jan 12, 2025
Romps over Denver in wild-card win
Cook carried the ball 23 times for 120 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-7 wild-card win over the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
The third-year RB extended his touchdown streak to five games with a five-yard scamper early in the second quarter that put the Bills in the lead for good at 10-7. Cook erupted for 18 total TDs in the regular season, second in the NFL to Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs, and his role in the Buffalo offense is only going to grow in importance in the postseason. Cook faces a tougher matchup in the divisional round however, as the Bills get ready to host a Ravens squad that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game and fewest yards per carry in the league in 2024.
Jan 5, 2025
Finds end zone again Sunday
Cook carried the ball 10 times for 28 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
The Bills rested a lot of key players in Week 18 with the No. 2 seed in the AFC already locked up, but Cook merely saw his usual workload reduced as he split touches in the backfield with Ray Davis. Cook still saw enough action to score his 16th rushing TD on a one-yard plunge in the third quarter, tying him with Derrick Henry for the NFL lead, and he got just enough yardage to put him over 1,000 for the second straight season. Cook has gotten into the end zone in four straight games, a streak he'll look to continue next weekend in the wild-card round against the Broncos.
Dec 29, 2024
Scores 15th rushing TD
Cook rushed 15 times for 53 yards and a touchdown and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 40-14 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Cook's yardage plummeted after he rushed for at least 100 yards in three of the previous four games. He ran in a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter for his 15th rushing touchdown of the campaign. Cook may not get a chance to add to that total in Week 18 against the Patriots since Buffalo has locked in the No. 2 seed and could rest its starters.
Dec 22, 2024
Another excellent performance
Cook rushed the ball 11 times for 100 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Patriots. He added three receptions on three targets for 26 yards and an additional touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Cook turned the game around for Buffalo by scoring consecutive touchdowns in the second and third quarters. The first came on an explosive 46-yard scamper through the middle of the New England defense while he broke through several arm tackles. He then caught a short, four-yard touchdown to tie the game. Despite being limited to around 15 touches per matchup, Cook has eclipsed 100 yards from scrimmage in three of four contests while finding the end zone a total of five times since Buffalo's Week 12 bye.
Dec 15, 2024
Eclipses century mark in wild win
Cook rushed 14 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns and brought in his only target for 28 yards in the Bills' 48-42 win over the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Cook got in on the fun of the Bills' second straight 40-plus-point barrage, crossing the goal line on the ground from six and 41 yards out in the second and third quarters, respectively. The third-year pro has two of his three 100-yard efforts on the season within the last three games, and his receiving yardage total Sunday was his highest since Week 3. Cook draws a highly favorable matchup against the Patriots at home in a Week 16 home matchup.
Dec 8, 2024
Limited opportunity in loss
Cook rushed the ball six times for 20 yards in Sunday's 44-42 loss to the Rams. He added two receptions on two targets for nine yards.
ANALYSIS
Josh Allen was the entire Buffalo offense, as he led the team in rushing attempts and yards while also scoring a trio of times on the ground from one yard away. Allen's usage combined with negative game script left little opportunity for Cook, who saw his fewest rushing attempts of the season. More concerning was his lack of involvement as a receiver despite Allen taking to the air 37 times. Cook has now failed to reach 50 rushing yards in four of his last seven games.
Dec 1, 2024
Scampers for snowy 65-yard TD
Cook rushed 14 times for 107 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for 13 yards in Sunday's 35-10 win over the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Cook outraced San Francisco's defense down the sideline for a 65-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter after watching Ray Davis cap the previous drive with a five-yard touchdown run. Buffalo's run-heavy game script helped Cook exceed 100 rushing yards for only the second time this season, as he came four yards short of his Week 8 season high against the Seahawks. Cook also raised his rushing touchdown total to 11, which is a marked improvement from his two rushing touchdowns apiece in 2022 and 2023. He'll look to continue his success against NFC West competition in Week 14 against the Rams.
Nov 17, 2024
Scoring offsets inneficiency Sunday
Cook rushed nine times for 20 yards and two touchdowns while recording five receptions (six targets) for seven yards in Sunday's 30-21 win over the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Cook struggled on the ground against the interior of the Chiefs' defense, as many talented backs have against the third-ranked rushing defense this season. However, the 25-year-old made an impact on the box score by finishing off a pair of lengthy offensive drives in the first half with short trips to the end zone. It was the Georgia product's worst yardage output of the season, but certainly not his worst fantasy showing. Cook has generated 751 yards from scrimmage with 11 combined touchdowns in 10 starts as the Bills enter a bye week before hosting the 49ers on Dec. 1.
Nov 10, 2024
Strong rushing day in win
Cook rushed 19 times for 80 yards and a touchdown and brought in one of three targets for five yards in the Bills' 30-20 win over the Colts on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Cook worked hard for his yards Sunday, considering 20 of them came on one carry. However, that explosive play and his two-yard game-sealing touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining helped round out his fantasy day, and he now has four rushing scores in the last four games. While he surprisingly was quiet in the passing game despite the Bills being down multiple targets Sunday, Cook should remain busy as both a runner and receiver in a Week 11 home showdown against the Chiefs.
Nov 3, 2024
Gets 15 touches in Week 9 win
Cook rushed 10 times for 44 yards and caught five of six targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 30-27 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Cook got 10 of the 17 rushing attempts among Buffalo's running backs, but backups Ray Davis and Ty Johnson were both more efficient in terms of yards per carry, and Davis had a 63-yard receiving touchdown. Cook has been feast or famine on the ground, with four games of at least 71 rushing yards and four games of 32 or fewer heading into Week 10 against the Colts. He has seven rushing touchdowns this season after scoring only four times on the ground across the 2022 and 2023 regular seasons combined.
Oct 27, 2024
Monster game Sunday
Cook rushed 17 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns while adding 22 yards on three receptions in Sunday's 31-10 win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Cook was the star on offense in a one-sided affair Sunday, running roughshod over Seattle's porous rushing defense en route to two scores. The 24-year-old had already scored twice in a game this season, but this was his first 100-plus yard rushing contest in 2024. Cook has now produced a combined 597 yards from scrimmage with eight total touchdowns through seven games, making him an elite fantasy tailback heading into next Sunday's tilt against Miami.
Oct 20, 2024
Limited to 32 yards
Cook rushed the ball 12 times for 32 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Titans. He was not targeted.
ANALYSIS
Cook returned from a one-game absence and retook the lead-back role in Buffalo's backfield, accounting for 12 of 17 carries by running backs. His efficiency was a more significant reason for concern as his longest gain went for 11 yards while seven of his attempts went for two yards or fewer. Even more of a problem for Cook was his lack of involvement in the passing game, as he went without both a target and a reception in a game for the first time this season.
Oct 18, 2024
Ready to return Week 7
Cook (toe) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's contest against the Titans, while rookie fourth-rounder Ray Davis (calf) is listed as questionable, Alec White of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Prior to Cook sitting out this past Monday against the Jets, there wouldn't have been much worry about his workload, as he was averaging 16.2 touches for 86.4 yards from scrimmage and 1.0 touchdown per game through five weeks. However, a toe injury for Cook paved the way for Davis to lead the Bills backfield Week 6, and the latter reeled off 152 total yards on 23 touches. Cook's health took a turn for the better this week, when he capped it with back-to-back full practices, while Davis came down with a calf issue Thursday and logged a pair of limited sessions. Even if Davis is able to earn active status Sunday, Cook should regain his usual role in Buffalo's offense.
Oct 17, 2024
Practices fully Thursday
Cook (toe) practiced fully Thursday.
ANALYSIS
After being listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-through, Cook worked fully a day later which sets the stage for him to reclaim his lead role in the Bills' backfield Sunday against the Titans. In his absence in this past Monday's 23-20 win over the Jets, Ray Davis -- who was limited by a calf injury Thursday -- carried 20 times for 97 yards and caught all three of his targets for 55 yards. If Davis is available this weekend, he'll be in line to revert to a complementary role in a Buffalo backfield that also includes Ty Johnson.
Oct 16, 2024
Listed as limited in walk-through
Cook (toe) was listed as limited in Wednesday's walk-through.
ANALYSIS
Though Wednesday's session wasn't a standard practice, Cook's listed limited participation suggests that he's trending in the right direction after having missed Monday's 23-20 win over the Jets. Thursday's practice will provide added context regarding his status for this weekend's game against the Titans, but if Cook is limited or remains out versus Tennessee, Ray Davis would be next in line for added backfield touches, with Ty Johnson also in the mix.
Oct 16, 2024
Participating in walk-through
Cook (toe) will participate in Wednesday's walk-through session, but head coach Sean McDermott said Thursday's practice will provide a better barometer for the running back's health, Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
McDermott previously said Tuesday that he was optimistic about Cook being ready for Sunday's game against the Titans. Cook missed Monday's 23-20 win over the Jets, opening the door for rookie Ray Davis to take 23 touches for 152 yards while handling a 58 percent snap share.
Oct 15, 2024
Coach hopeful for Week 7 return
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Tuesday that he's hopeful Cook (toe) will be available to play Sunday against the Titans, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
ANALYSIS
Though Cook was listed as questionable heading into Monday's game against the Jets, reports leading up to the contest suggested he was on track to play. However, Cook ultimately didn't make enough progress in his recovery from the injury and ended up on the inactive list for the first time all season, with the Bills turning to rookie Ray Davis and veteran Ty Johnson to fill reps out of the backfield in the 23-20 win. Davis (20 carries for 97 yards, three receptions for 55 yards) submitted a credible showing in his first extended NFL action to date, and his big performance could prompt the Bills to take a cautious approach with Cook during practice this week. McDermott said that while he's optimistic about Cook's chances of playing Sunday, a decision on the running back's status may not be made until closer to game day, per Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News.
Oct 14, 2024
Inactive versus Jets
Cook (toe) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
After being deemed a non-participant in Thursday's practice and Friday's walk-through, Cook logged a limited session Saturday before being listed as questionable for the contest. With Cook having been made inactive by the Bills on Monday, look for Ty Johnson and Ray Davis to lead the team's Week 6 backfield, with practice squad elevation Frank Gore also on hand to provide backfield depth.
Oct 12, 2024
Officially questionable for Monday
Cook was a limited participant in practice Saturday and is questionable for Monday night's game against the Jets, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
A report earlier Saturday indicated that Cook would be limited in practice but is trending toward suiting up Monday, and with the first part of that scenario having officially occurred, there is reason to believe that Cook is in line to play against the Jets. The running back didn't practice at all Thursday and Friday, so his upgrade to a limited session Saturday is a welcome sign for fantasy managers who roster him. Still, it makes sense to keep a close eye on any updates to Cook's status, as the Bills playing on Monday Night Football makes for a tricky situation in fantasy should there be any hint that he may actually not be cleared to start in the contest. Ty Johnson and Ray Davis are the ball carriers behind Cook on the depth chart.
Oct 12, 2024
Trending toward playing Monday
Cook is expected to practice in limited fashion Saturday and is trending toward playing Monday against the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Schefter seems plugged into this situation given the Bills technically haven't practiced yet Saturday. Cook was a DNP for both Thursday and Friday practices, so any upgrade seems to be a solid affirmation of the aforementioned report. Expect more confirmation to arrive in the coming days, but should Cook play, both Ty Johnson and Ray Davis would likely continue to operate as a backup platoon out of the backfield.
Oct 12, 2024
Expected to be questionable for MNF
Head coach Sean McDermott expects James Cook to be listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
This news tidbit comes before the Bills will practice Saturday, so it's fair to say there's likely more context to come with the announcement. Expect further information later in the day.
Oct 11, 2024
Estimated as non-practice participant
Cook (foot) was deemed a non-participant in Friday's walk-through.
ANALYSIS
With back-to-back listed 'DNPs' Thursday and Friday, what (if anything) Cook is able to Saturday will loom large in terms of his availability for Monday night's game against the Jets. Unless he practices fully, however, the running back will presumably carry a Week 6 injury designation. If Cook ends up unavailable against New York, Ty Johnson and Ray Davis would be next up for the Bills' backfield touches.
Oct 10, 2024
Listed as non-participant
Cook (foot) didn't practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Cook did some work on a side field but was then held out of practice for a second straight day, leaving his availability for Monday's game against the Jets in doubt. He'll have two more chances to practice before the game, with Ty Johnson and Ray Davis positioned for more snaps and touches if Cook doesn't end up playing. Davis played only three snaps in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Houston, but he might be the lead runner if Cook is inactive, as Johnson mostly has been used on passing downs throughout this pro career.
Oct 10, 2024
Only doing work on side Thursday
Cook (foot/toe) is working on the side field at practice Thursday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook appears destined to be listed as 'DNP' for a second straight day after having picked up foot and toe injuries during Buffalo's narrow Week 5 loss to Houston. The starting running back is reportedly considered 'day-to-day' entering a Monday Night Football matchup against the Jets, but he'll only have two more chances to officially participate in practice before receiving an injury designation for the Week 6 matchup. Ty Johnson and Ray Davis will figure to start out of the backfield for the Bills if Cook is forced to miss any time.
Oct 9, 2024
Missing practice
Cook (toe/foot) won't practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
With Cook having come out of the Bills' Week 5 loss to the Texans banged up, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, the running back now falls into the day-to-day category ahead of Monday night's game against the Jets. Look for added context regarding Cook's status to arrive no later than the posting of the Bills' Thursday injury report. While Cook is sidelined at practice, Ty Johnson and Ray Davis are next up for the team's backfield reps.
Oct 6, 2024
Season-high 82 rushing yards
Cook rushed 20 times for 82 yards and a touchdown while catching two of three targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Houston.
ANALYSIS
Cook cut Buffalo's deficit to 20-10 with a five-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and set season highs in both carries and rushing yards. His four rushing scores through five games in 2024 match Cook's career total through 33 regular-season games heading into this campaign. Cook will try to continue his scoring spree in Week 6 against the Jets on Monday Night Football.
Sep 29, 2024
Modest numbers in Week 4 loss
Cook rushed nine times for 39 yards and caught his only target for nine yards in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Cook scored four touchdowns over the previous two games but watched Ty Johnson score a three-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Buffalo's entire offense crashed down to earth with just 10 points after averaging 37.3 in Weeks 1-3, and Cook was held to exactly 39 rushing yards for the second consecutive game. While Cook remains the top option in Buffalo's backfield heading into a Week 5 trip to Houston, Josh Allen is a perpetual threat to call his own number in short-yardage situations, and Johnson has chipped in a touchdown in consecutive games.
Sep 23, 2024
Finds paydirt in lopsided win
Cook rushed 11 times for 39 yards and a touchdown while catching four of five targets for 48 yards in Monday's 47-10 win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Cook finished Buffalo's opening drive with a six-yard touchdown run. That was his third rushing touchdown in the last two games after Cook had only four rushing scores in his first 34 regular-season appearances. He should have added a 28-yard receiving touchdown on a wheel route in the second quarter, but an accurate throw from Josh Allen went right through Cook's hands. Despite that miscue, Cook finished second on the team in both rushing yards (behind Allen's 44) and receiving yards (behind Khalil Shakir's 72) in the dominant win. Cook has posted at least 87 scrimmage yards in every game this season heading into a Week 4 trip to Baltimore.
Sep 12, 2024
Three TDs in Week 2 road win
Cook rushed 11 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns and secured his only target for a 17-yard score in the Bills' 31-10 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
As the three-touchdown total and the 7.1 yards per carry figures substantiate, Cook was a one-man wrecking crew on the offensive side of the ball for the Bills in the lopsided victory. The third-year back opened the scoring with a 17-yard touchdown reception to cap off Buffalo's opening possession, and he added scoring runs of one and 49 yards in the second quarter. The fact the Bills already had a two-touchdown lead by halftime allowed head coach Sean McDermott to take it easy on Cook in the second half, with rookie backup Ray Davis nearly matching him in carries (nine) by night's end. Cook has 149 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards through two games heading into a Week 3 home matchup against the Jaguars on Monday night, Sept. 23.
Sep 8, 2024
Posts 103 total yards in opener
Cook rushed 19 times for 71 yards and caught all three of his targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 34-28 win over the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
The Bills went with a run-heavy approach, but Josh Allen scored both of the team's rushing touchdowns while also throwing a pair. The 237-pound quarterback vulturing touchdowns is nothing new for Cook, as Cook had just two rushing touchdowns to Allen's 15 in the 2023 regular season. Heading into Thursday's road game against the Dolphins, Cook is the clear lead back in Buffalo over rookie fourth-round draft pick Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, who combined for just five carries and two targets in the season-opening win.
Aug 19, 2024
Won't play in preseason finale
Coach Sean McDermott relayed Monday that the Bills won't play their starters, a group that includes Cook, in the team's preseason finale against the Panthers on Saturday, Alec White of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The report notes that initially Buffalo's starters were trending toward seeing some snaps this weekend, but with injuries hitting the team ahead of Week 1, a cautious approach will be taken. As a result, Cook's next game action will occur Sept. 8 against the Cardinals, and at that time the 2022 second-rounder will be in line to continue to lead a backfield that also includes Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.
Aug 17, 2024
Dominates first-team touches
Cook rushed the ball six times for 25 yards in Saturday's 9-3 preseason win over the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Cook was unsurprisingly the first Buffalo running back on the field, but he was the only player to record a rushing attempt with the first-team offense on the field. That usage wasn't quite as significant because the Bills failed to approach the goal line -- the most likely spot for Cook to lose work during the regular season -- but it's at least some indication of the gap that he has built as the Bills' lead back over Ty Johnson and Ray Davis.
Aug 10, 2024
Bottled up in preseason start
Cook rushed four times for two yards and wasn't targeted in Saturday's 33-6 preseason loss to the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Cook played the entire first quarter alongside Josh Allen before both checked out of the game to begin the second quarter, replaced by Ray Davis and Mitch Trubisky, respectively. While Cook failed to find running room in this one, his breakout 1,122-rushing yard 2023 regular season has earned the 24-year-old running back some breathing room atop the depth chart. The Bills will travel to Pittsburgh for their next preseason game next Saturday.
Aug 8, 2024
Likely playing Saturday
Cook and other starters likely will play about a quarter in Saturday's preseason game against Chicago, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Sean McDermott didn't mention Cook by name, but the running back likely be out there if Josh Allen is. McDermott confirmed that Allen is scheduled to start, leading an offense in which the top skill-position weapons figure to be Cook, TE Dalton Kincaid and WRs Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. A relative lack of experience in the pass-catching corps could lead to the running backs being more emphasized, but there's some chance that benefits rookie Ray Davis and/or Ty Johnson rather than giving Cook a big uptick from last year's regular-season totals of 634 snaps (54.5 percent), 237 carries and 44 receptions.
Jul 29, 2024
Back at practice
Cook (personal) is returning to practice Monday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook missed one practice to attend to a personal matter. He's locked in as the lead back in Buffalo, leaving Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore to compete for backup roles.
Jul 28, 2024
Not practicing Sunday
Cook is absent from Bills practice Sunday for personal reasons, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The nature of the personal matter Cook is dealing with hasn't been clarified, nor is it known how long the issue will keep the running back out of practice. At this point, there's no reason to believe he is in danger of missing substantial time. After compiling 1,567 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns last season, Cook is primed to lead the Buffalo backfield again in 2024.
Apr 29, 2024
Backfield depth added by Buffalo
Cook is slated to be joined by rookie fourth-rounder Ray Davis in the Bills' backfield this coming season, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook is coming off a 2023 regular season in which he carried 237times for 1,122 yards and two TDs to go along with 44 catches for 445 yards and four receiving scores in 17 games. With veteran backs Latavius Murray and Damien Harris no longer in the mix, Davis should have an opportunity to step into a complementary role behind Cook, while potentially claiming a share of the team's short-yardage work. Also in the team's backfield mix are Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans and reported UDFA signing Frank Gore Jr., though none is likely to prevent Cook from maintaining steady enough volume in his third pro season.
Jan 21, 2024
Finishes loss with 82 yards
Cook rushed 18 times for 61 yards and caught four of five targets for 21 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
Cook had trouble finding holes (3.4 YPC) against a tough defensive front led by the Chiefs' Chris Jones, finishing with 82 total yards and no touchdowns Sunday. With the loss ending Buffalo's season, Cook will finish his breakout fantasy campaign with 1,567 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns in 17 games as the Bills' starting tailback. Barring a big-name addition to the backfield this upcoming offseason, Cook figures to lead Buffalo's rushing attack alongside quarterback Josh Allen in 2024.
Jan 15, 2024
Leading rusher off 18 carries
Cook carried the ball 18 times for 79 yards while adding four catches for five yards in Monday's 31-17 win over the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Cook was unable to score a touchdown to round out his final box score, but he still generated good rushing numbers on a game-high 18 carries en route to victory. The 18 totes and 22 combined touches were marks the 24-year-old had only reached twice over the course of the regular season. Buffalo's RB2, quarterback Josh Allen, chipped in 8/72/1 as a runner Monday, while true backup Ty Johnson did little with his eight touches. With the victory, the second-seeded Bills will move onto the AFC divisional round to host the Chiefs in a rematch of the historic divisional playoff game from the 2021 postseason. Buffalo will be riding a win streak of six games into that playoff matchup while also debuting Cook as a new weapon that the 2021 version did not possess.
Jan 8, 2024
Poor production on 17 touches
Cook rushed 13 times for 36 yards while adding three receptions on four targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 21-14 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Cook finished with the most non-QB touches for Buffalo on Sunday but wound up finishing behind five teammates in terms of fantasy output. To make matters worse, the 23-year-old failed to secure what would have been a certain 23-yard touchdown that hit him square in the hands. Despite this stinker of a regular-season finale, Cook's fantasy managers still enjoyed a breakout campaign where the second-round sophomore accrued 1,567 yards from scrimmage with six total touchdowns in 17 appearances while sticking as the Bills' lead back all year long. Cook won't get to rest on his laurels following a successful first season as the starter with the NFL playoffs commencing Jan. 13. Cook and the Bills will kickoff the action on Sunday Jan. 14 in a home playoff game against the Steelers.
Dec 31, 2023
Held in check by New England
Cook carried the ball 16 times for 48 yards and caught one of three targets for minus-4 yards in Sunday's 27-21 win over the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
The second-year running back was held to his lowest scrimmage yardage total since Week 9, a game in which he only got 10 touches. Cook has become a major part of the Buffalo offense since then, collecting 798 combined yards and four touchdowns on 135 touches over the last seven contests, and he figures to be busy again in Week 18 against the Dolphins as the Bills attempt to claim their fourth straight AFC East title.
Dec 23, 2023
Loses out on goal-line work
Cook rushed the ball 20 times for 70 yards in Saturday's 24-22 win over the Chargers. He also lost a fumble and was not targeted.
ANALYSIS
On the surface, Cook's stat line isn't all that concerning as he continued to dominate work out of the Buffalo backfield. However, he saw zero targets for only the second time this season and for the first time since Week 6. Cook also lost out on red-zone work to both Leonard Fournette and Josh Allen on two separate drives, a concerning trend for his potential to score touchdowns in the final two weeks of the regular season. He'll still have a safe floor as Buffalo's lead back, but it will be difficult for him to replicate his stellar recent performances with the usage that he saw in Saturday's win.
Dec 21, 2023
Good to go Saturday
Cook (illness) doesn't carry an injury designation for Saturday night's game against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
After missing Wednesday's session due to an illness, Cook practiced without restrictions Thursday, which sets the stage for the 2022 second-rounder to continue to lead the Bills backfield this weekend against the 5-9 Chargers. In this past Sunday's 31-10 win over the Cowboys, Cook turned in the most productive fantasy effort of his NFL career, carrying 25 times for 179 yards and a touchdown while catching two of his three targets for 42 yards and another score.
Dec 21, 2023
Back at practice
Cook (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook sat out Wednesday's session, but the running back's return to practice a day later puts him on the path to being available Saturday against the Chargers. Buffalo's looming injury report will clarify Cook's participation level Thursday, as well as his Week 16 game status.
Dec 21, 2023
Expected to practice Thursday
Coach Sean McDermott expects Cook (illness) to both practice Thursday and be available for Saturday's game against the Chargers, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook didn't practice Wednesday, but his anticipated return to Thursday's session has the running back trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday night's contest. The Bills' upcoming injury report will reveal whether Cook heads into the weekend with a designation or cleared for Week 16 action.
Dec 20, 2023
Misses practice Wednesday
Cook (illness) isn't practicing Wednesday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook was a full participant in Tuesday's walk-through, but the running back's absence from Wednesday's session makes his status worth tracking ahead of Saturday's game against the Chargers. Added context regarding Cook's Week 16 status will arrive no later than Thursday, when the Bills conduct their final practice of the week.
Dec 17, 2023
Racks up 221 yards, two TDs
Cook rushed 25 times for 179 yards and a touchdown while catching two of three targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-10 win over the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Cook reached triple digits in scrimmage yards for the fifth consecutive game, and he hit that mark before halftime with 104 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards in the first half. That production included an 18-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Cook had an opportunity to add another receiving touchdown in the third quarter but dropped a pass just outside the end zone. That was a rare mistake in an otherwise outstanding performance from the second-year running back, who blew past his previous career high of 123 rushing yards from Week 2 against the Raiders. Cook put an exclamation point on his career-best performance with a 24-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Buffalo has found success with a more run-heavy approach in recent weeks, so Cook's poised to maintain a prominent role in Week 16 against the reeling Chargers.
Dec 10, 2023
Comes up big in Week 14 win
Cook carries the ball 10 times for 58 yards and caught all five of his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 win over Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
The second-year running back wound up as the Bills' leading receiver on the day, and Cook opened the scoring by connecting with Josh Allen on a 25-yard TD strike late in the first quarter. Cook has reached 100 scrimmage yards in four straight games, with Sunday's 141 being his best total since he erupted for 159 yards back in Week 2. He could have a hard time extending his streak to five games in Week 15 against a tough and aggressive Cowboys defense.
Nov 26, 2023
Triple-digit scrimmage yards Sunday
Cook carried the ball 16 times for 43 yards and caught six of seven targets for 57 yards in Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
The catches and receiving yards were career highs for the second-year running back, as Cook reached the century mark in scrimmage yards for the third straight game and the sixth time in 12 contests this season. Buffalo will be on bye next week, but Cook will head into a Week 14 trip to Kansas City having already recorded a 1,000-yard campaign for the first time with 731 rushing yards and 308 receiving yards. A lack of touchdowns -- he has only three, one on the ground and two through the air -- is all that's keeping the 2022 second-round pick from elite status at his position.
Nov 20, 2023
Gets into end zone against Jets
Cook carried the ball 17 times for 73 yards and caught three of four targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 32-6 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
He was on the end of a five-yard TD from Josh Allen late in the second quarter to give the Bills a 16-0 lead they were never in any danger of relinquishing. With new offensive coordinator Joe Brady in charge, Cook saw at least 20 touches for the first time since Week 2, an encouraging development after the second-year RB had averaged only 12.8 over the prior six games, but he'll face a tough test on the road in Week 12 against an Eagles defense that had allowed the fewest scrimmage yards in the league to running backs coming into this week.
Nov 13, 2023
Eclipses century mark in loss
Cook rushed 12 times for 109 yards and brought in both of his targets for 11 yards in the Bills' 24-22 loss to the Broncos on Monday night. He also committed two fumbles, losing one and recovering the other.
ANALYSIS
Cook was able to get over the 100-yard mark for only the second time this season, with the second-year back accomplishing the feat courtesy of a clutch 42-yard yard run on the Bills' final possession that saw him recover his own fumble during the play and advance the ball another 29 yards. Cook's statistical surge was an especially welcome sight after he mustered only 39 total yards on 10 touches in Week 9 against the Bengals. While he's still sitting on just two total touchdowns this season, Cook will head into a Week 11 home divisional clash with the Jets boasting plenty of momentum thanks to Monday's performance.
Nov 6, 2023
Disappointing numbers in loss
Cook rushed six times for 20 yards and brought in all four targets for 19 yards in the Bills' 24-18 loss to the Bengals on Sunday night.
ANALYSIS
Cook's role on the ground was especially reduced with the Bills trailing for nearly the entire contest, and he couldn't fully make up for it with his work in the passing game. The talented second-year pro's carry total was his second lowest of the season, but Cook could have a much better opportunity for rushing production against a vulnerable Broncos run defense in a Week 10 home matchup versus the Broncos on Monday night, Nov. 13.
Oct 28, 2023
Takes on main role in Week 8 win
Cook carried 14 times for 67 yards and caught his only target for six yards in Thursday's 24-18 win over Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Cook saw 14 carries to Latavius Murray's five, but quarterback Josh Allen always has the ability to hone in on the run game, as the latter posted a 7-41-1 line on the ground. In fact, Allen has more rushing touchdowns (5) than every other Bills player combined this season. As for Cook, his 4.8 yards per carry is great and he's got a decent role in the passing game with 18 catches on the season, plus he's the main ball carrier, but touchdowns will be tricky to come by even with Damien Harris (neck) out of action because there are so many other talents in the offense. Cook's high in carries for the season is 17, back in Week 2.
Oct 22, 2023
Catches TD in Week 7 loss
Cook rushed 13 times for 56 yards while catching all three of his targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 29-25 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Cook caught an eight-yard touchdown in the third quarter, marking his second scrimmage touchdown of the season. He also topped 100 scrimmage yards for the third time this season while continuing to lead a Buffalo backfield that will be without Damien Harris (neck/concussion) for at least three additional games, including Thursday's upcoming home game against the Buccaneers. Latavius Murray turned six touches into 28 scrimmage yards while spelling Cook.
Oct 16, 2023
Bounces back with 71 yards
Cook took 14 carries for 71 yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 14-9 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Cook bounced back from his negative rushing day against the Jaguars in London last week to lead the Bills in touches and backfield production against the Giants. The 23-year-old produced a stat line Sunday nearly identical to the 14.0 carries and 74.0 yards he averaged over his first four games, confirming his status as Buffalo's lead back survived the overseas dud. Now back on track, Cook will look to continue his breakout campaign against the Patriots next Sunday.
Oct 8, 2023
Stuffed by Jags
Cook lost four yards on five carries and caught three of four targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
The Bills' entire offense was completely flat for nearly the whole first half, and quarterback Josh Allen took matters into his own hands after halftime, so Cook didn't get much of a chance to improve his numbers. It's the second-year back's worst performance of the season, but he should be able to rebound in Week 6 against a vulnerable Giants run defense.
Oct 1, 2023
Scores first TD of season
Cook rushed 12 times for 29 yards and a touchdown and brought in his only target for a 48-yard gain in the Bills' 48-20 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Cook had his roughest day on the ground on the season from an efficiency perspective, but he partly made up for it by finally finding the end zone in 2023 on a one-yard run late in the first quarter that survived a reply review. Cook's big 48-yard grab was also instrumental in an early third-quarter drive that culminated in a Tyler Bass 33-yard field goal that extended Buffalo's lead to 34-20. Cook continues to contribute explosive plays each week, but he could have another uphill battle for rushing yards in a Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars in London.
Sep 24, 2023
Effective running but still no TDs
Cook rushed 15 times for 98 yards and caught two of three targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 37-3 win over Washington.
ANALYSIS
Cook easily led the Bills in both carries and rushing yards, but he watched Latavius Murray score on the ground from in close for the second consecutive game. Along with Murray's two touchdowns, Buffalo has a rushing touchdown apiece from Damien Harris and quarterback Josh Allen through three weeks, while Cook has yet to find the end zone in 2023. The elusive second-year running back is averaging 89 rushing yards through three games, and Cook should continue to handle the majority of backfield touches in Week 4 against the Dolphins.
Sep 22, 2023
Back at practice
Cook (personal) returned to practice Friday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Patrick Warren of the Bills' official site, Cook missed practice Thursday as he welcomed the birth of his daughter. With Cook back on the field Friday, the running is on track to lead Buffalo's backfield Sunday against the Commanders. In the team's 38-10 Week 2 win over the Raiders, the 2022 second-rounder logged 17 carries for 123 yards and caught four passes for 36 yards.
Sep 21, 2023
Absent for personal reason
Cook missed Thursday's practice due to a personal matter, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, Cook missed the practice due to the birth of his child. We'll check back on Friday to see if the running back returns to practice for the Bills' final session ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders. In the team's Week 2 win over the Raiders, Cook carried 17 times for 123 yards and caught four passes for 36 yards.
Sep 21, 2023
Not spotted at practice
Cook (undisclosed) wasn't spotted during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cook wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so it remains to be seen if the running back is dealing with an injury of some sort as Sunday's game against the Commanders approaches. Thursday's looming injury report will add some clarity on that front.
Sep 17, 2023
Erupts for 159 total yards
Cook rushed the ball 17 times for 123 yards and no touchdowns in Sunday's 38-10 win over the Raiders. He added four receptions on four targets for 36 yards.
ANALYSIS
Cook tallied the first 100-yard rushing performance of his pro career, which was powered by long gains of 36, 16 and 14 yards. While he held up his end of the deal, Cook's usage was somewhat concerning as Latavius Murray and Damien Harris combined to tally 13 carries with each also finding the end zone. It's possible that game script had something to do with the rotation at the position, but it will be an ongoing situation worth monitoring. Despite that lingering question, Cook has racked up 225 total yards through two games this season and has proven to be a worthy contributor in the Bills' offense.
Sep 12, 2023
Leads backfield with 16 touches
Cook rushed 12 times for 46 yards and caught four of six targets for 17 yards in Monday's 22-16 overtime loss to the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Cook finished with the same number of touches as his older brother Dalvin, who had 59 scrimmage yards for the Jets. While Dalvin faces stiff competition for touches from Breece Hall, James appears to be the clear lead back for the Bills, as veterans Damien Harris and Latavius Murray combined for three carries and four targets. Buffalo ventured inside the Jets' 10-yard line on only one drive, so it remains to be seen how the team delegates goal-line carries, but the majority of those are expected to go to the 213-pound Harris or 237-pound quarterback Josh Allen over the 190-pound Cook, who is a speedy outside runner rather than a powerful inside runner. Up next for Cook and the Bills is a Week 2 home game against the Raiders.
Aug 26, 2023
Leads backfield with starters
Cook took five carries for 23 yards and two catches for 14 yards in Saturday's preseason game at Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Cook had four carries for 18 yards on the opening drive before Damien Harris closed out the series with a two-yard TD on his first touch. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs were done after that, but most of Buffalo's probable starters played another drive or two, including Cook. Harris then played deep into the second quarter, while 33-year-old Latavius Murray didn't play at all. Regardless of how things break down behind him, Cook should be Buffalo's lead back -- though perhaps as part of a three-man committee -- Week 1 at the Jets on Monday Night Football.
Aug 20, 2023
Works solely with first team
Cook rushed the ball three times for three yards in Saturday's 27-15 preseason loss to the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Cook didn't do anything with his two touches, but his usage was more telling. He worked only with the first-team offense, and while Latavius Murray also got some work with Josh Allen, Murray also played a few possessions with Matt Barkley. All indications are that the Bills intend to use Cook as the top running back on the depth chart as we close in on the regular season.
Aug 12, 2023
Looks good as starter
Cook started the Bills' preseason opener against the Colts on Saturday, rushing for 20 yards and a touchdown on four carries before exiting with the rest of the first team.
ANALYSIS
Cook got to work quickly after the Bills' defense gifted the offense with excellent field position by picking off rookie QB Anthony Richardson in Colts' territory. The 23-year-old handled all three rushing attempts on the ensuing drive, with the third being punched in for an eight-yard score. Cook was not targeted as a passer, but may be forced to show us that part of his game following the announcement that Bills' receiving back Nyheim Hines (knee) will miss the entire 2023 season. The other veteran back the front office brought in to compete with Cook, Damien Harris (knee), did not play Saturday and the team has yet to update the status of his knee injury. What once looked like a crowded backfield has suddenly opened up for Cook, which boosts his fantasy value as leagues are gearing to kick off.
Jul 28, 2023
Offers three-down potential?
Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey told reporters Thursday that he's "really excited" about Cook and believes he has "three-down back" potential, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bills gave Cook a minor vote of confidence this offseason when they let Devin Singletary leave for Houston and settled for Damien Harris and Latavius Murray -- signed for less than $2 million apiece -- as veteran backfield additions. The 2022 second-round pick did well with his chances last year, averaging 5.7 yards on 89 carries and 8.6 yards on 21 catches, with the stipulation that much of his work came in garbage time. Harris and Murray will compete for work, especially carries between the tackles, but Cook is at least a slight favorite over Harris to play the most snaps of the bunch. Passing-down specialist and punt returner Nyheim Hines is out of the Buffalo backfield equation for 2023 after sustaining an ACL injury in a jet ski accident.
Mar 22, 2023
Slated to work alongside Harris
The Bills have added Damien Harris to a running back corps that also includes Cook and Nyheim Hines, Maddy Glab of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The free-agent acquisition of Harris helps fill the void created by the departure of Devin Singletary, who recently signed a deal with the Texans. As a rookie last season, Cook logged 89 carries for 507 yards and two TDs, to go along with a 21-180-1 receiving line in 16 games. The 5-foot-11, 213-pound Harris brings added power to Buffalo's backfield mix and can be expected to absorb a decent chunk of the 177 carries vacated by Singletary's exit, especially in early-down and short-yardage situations. Even so, Cook (listed at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds) should still have an opportunity to garner more volume in 2023, while Hines (5-foot-8, 198 pounds) continues to work in a change-of-pace role. As things stand, Cook's fantasy upside hinges on how much of Singletary's prior role (which also included 52 targets) he takes on this coming season while working alongside Harris.
Feb 28, 2023
Expected to see more work in 2023
Bills GM Brandon Beane said Cook is expected to a bigger part of the offense in 2023, according to Matt Lombardo of Heavy.com.
ANALYSIS
"We're excited about Cook, and looking forward to what he can do in Year 2, especially with an expanded workload and more touches," Beane said Tuesday. With Devin Singletary slated for free agency this offseason, Cook has a chance to carve out the lead-back job in Buffalo after he averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 89 rushes as a rookie. The Bills will very likely add to their backfield this offseason, but Cook's fantasy arrow is pointing upward.
Jan 26, 2023
Makes big strides in rookie season
Cook finished the regular season with 507 rushing yards on 89 carries (5.7 YPC) and two rushing touchdowns to go with a 21-180-1 line in the receiving game.
ANALYSIS
The second-round rookie worked his way into almost an even timeshare with starter Devin Singletary by the end of the campaign, and while Cook never really exploded with a giant game, he proved to be useable for those needing to count on modest production from a deeper RB spot. Singletary is an unrestricted free agent, plus the Bills do not expect to have much cap room this offseason, so if Cook's teammate leaves for greener pastures, it could really open things up for him in his second campaign. That said, rostering any Bills running back always comes with the disclosure that Josh Allen is going to eat up some of that position's typical production.
Jan 15, 2023
Scores in Sunday's win
Cook rushed 12 times for 39 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-31 win over the Dolphins in the wild-card round.
ANALYSIS
Cook took a handoff 12 yards to help double Buffalo's lead during the first quarter. Although he also had a 13-yard rush, Cook found little room to maneuver on his other carries. Meanwhile, teammate Devin Singletary rushed 10 times for 48 yards. As the Bills now advance to the AFC divisional round, expect Cook and Singletary to continuing sharing snaps alongside quarterback Josh Allen.
Jan 8, 2023
Outplays Singletary in Week 18 win
Cook rushed nine times for 45 yards and caught both of his targets for six yards in Sunday's 35-23 win over the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Cook was far more effective than Devin Singletary, who mustered only 32 yards on eight touches and lost a fumble. After being used sparingly to start the season, the rookie second-round pick out of Georgia started to take on a larger share of Buffalo's backfield touches down the stretch. Cook and Singletary will likely continue to split carries in the wild-card round against the Dolphins.
Dec 27, 2022
Career high in Christmas Eve win
Cook rushed 11 times for 99 yards and a touchdown and caught one of two targets for nine yards in Buffalo's win over Chicago on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The 99 rushing yards and the 108 scrimmage yards are career highs for the rookie, who continues to play a nice Robin role to Devin Singletary's Batman. Cook has gone over 100 yards from scrimmage or scored a TD in three of the past four games, giving him solid value as far as No. 2 running backs go. He'll continue to see regular touches, as newcomer Nyheim Hines barely gets looks in the regular game plan.
Dec 20, 2022
Finds end zone in key win
Cook carried five times for 34 yards and caught two of three targets for five yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 32-29 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
The TD catch was the first of Cook's NFL career, as he continues to have a decent-sized role behind starter Devin Singletary in a high-powered offense. While Cook has seen only nine carries over the past two games, he has now put up at least eight fantasy points in three of the past five contests, not bad production for a backup running back. The real home run would be if the Bills -- currently the top seed in the AFC -- get to rest some starters for the final game of the season and inexperienced players like Cook get a heavy workload.
Dec 20, 2022
Finds end zone in key win
Cook carried five times for 34 yards and caught two of three targets for five yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 32-29 win over the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
The TD catch was the first of Cook's NFL career, as he continues to have a decent-sized role behind starter Devin Singletary in a high-powered offense. While Cook has seen only nine carries over the past two games, he has now put up at least eight fantasy points in three of the past five contests, not bad production for a backup running back. The real home run would be if the Bills -- currently the top seed in the AFC -- get to rest some starters for the final game of the season and inexperienced players like Cook get a heavy workload.
Dec 14, 2022
Struggles to find open running room
Cook carried four times for six yards and added a nine-yard reception in Sunday's 20-12 win over the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Though he and starter Devin Singletary worked in a relatively even timeshare for the second week in a row, Cook wasn't able to build on his breakthrough Week 13 outing against the Patriots, during which the rookie totaled 105 yards from scrimmage on 20 touches. Singletary was the more productive of the two backs versus the Jets (eight carries for 39 yards, one catch for four yards), but not so much so that it will guarantee him the majority of the snaps moving forward. Even if Cook sees his 41 percent snap share from Week 14 tail off a bit in another divisional game this Sunday against the Dolphins, he should at least remain ahead of trade-deadline pickup Nyheim Hines in the Bills' backfield pecking order.
Dec 1, 2022
Career-best game Thursday
Cook rushed 14 times for 64 yards and secured all six targets for 41 yards in the Bills' 24-10 win over the Patriots on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Cook ended up as the surprise leader in rush attempts and rushing yardage on the night for the Bills while also checking in second in receptions. The rookie outpaced Devin Singletary by one carry and 13 rushing yards, and Cook also drew four more targets than his backfield mate, who didn't bring in either of his two looks. Whether Thursday night's usage is a harbinger of things to come down the stretch remains to be seen, but it's worth noting Cook does now have double-digit rush attempts in two of his last three games heading into a Week 14 home divisional showdown against the Jets a week from Sunday.
Nov 25, 2022
Two carries, two catches in Week 12
Cook rushed twice for four yards and caught two of five targets for 14 yards in Thursday's 28-25 win over Detroit.
ANALYSIS
Devin Singletary dominated touches in Buffalo's backfield with 80 scrimmage yards on 14 carries and one catch, but Cook at least maintained the No. 2 role over Nyheim Hines, who touched the ball only once on offense. Barring an injury to Singletary, Cook will have a hard time carving out a meaningful role as a distant third rushing option in a Buffalo offense that relies primarily on Josh Allen's arms and legs.
Nov 21, 2022
Making his mark
Cook rushed 11 times for 86 yards in Buffalo's win over over the Browns on Sunday. He was targeted twice but did not catch a pass.
ANALYSIS
This was not a case of garbage-time yards for the rookie backup to Devin Singletary, as the contest was closely contested for much of the afternoon, and Cook was used as an effective change-up to Singletary. The former showed his speed on a few of the runs and co-led the Bills in rushing yardage. While Singletary is the clear-cut No. 1 and seems to be picking up steam himself, Cook is clearly ahead of trade deadline acquisition Nyheim Hines, who's been used primarily in the return game and saw one carry for minus-8 yards Sunday. With the Bills starting to rely more on the run the last couple of games, Cook could be worth a look in deeper leagues. In keeper formats, he should already be on somebody's roster.
Nov 8, 2022
Keeps No. 2 role in Week 9
Cook took four carries for 15 yards and gathered in two of four targets for 18 yards during Sunday's 20-17 loss at the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Despite the addition of Nyheim Hines from the Colts prior to last week's trade deadline, Cook remained the No. 2 running back in terms of usage Week 9, at least for one game. Devin Singletary paced the Bills backfield with 12 touches on a 74 percent snap share, Cook had six touches while playing 23 percent of the plays, and Hines didn't have a rush and couldn't haul in his only target on four offensive snaps. The script may flip as Hines grows more accustomed to the playbook, but for the time being Cook may have retained some utility in what typically is a high-powered offense.
Nov 1, 2022
Likely to sit third on depth chart
Cook is expected to head into the Bills' Week 9 game against the Jets as the team's third running back after Buffalo acquired Nyheim Hines from Indianapolis on Tuesday, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Fresh off carrying five times for 35 yards while adding a 41-yard reception in Sunday's win over the Packers, Cook might have seemed poised to handle a larger role in the second half of the season behind top back Devin Singletary. Instead, the Bills' decision to trade for Hines looks like it'll render Cook as little more than an insurance option, given that Hines has been one of the NFL's top pass-catching backs since entering the NFL in 2018. Singletary is averaging a healthy 4.5 yards per carry on the season and hasn't done anything to change his standing as the Bills' preferred option on early downs, so it'll likely take an absence from him before Cook picks up more extensive work outside of a garbage-time scenario. It's possible Cook even finds himself on the inactive list this weekend, given that the fourth running back on the roster, Taiwan Jones, is a core special-teams contributor who dresses for every game.
Oct 31, 2022
Combines for 76 yards in win
Cook rushed five times for 35 yards and caught his lone target for 41 yards in Sunday's 27-17 win over the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Cook stuck as the clear No. 2 back behind Devin Singletary for the second week in a row. The rookie second-round pick showed burst when he was on the field, ripping off 41 yards on an impressive catch in addition to his work as a rusher. Devin Singletary dominated the backfield touches with 15 to Cook's six, so it appears that the Bills feel more comfortable with the consistent veteran option while the team continues to rack up wins. That said, Cook is looking like a player worth stashing in the event he takes over as starter (via injury or coaching decision) later this season. For now, it's hard to recommend starting a player in fantasy with such a limited role heading into a matchup against the Jets next Sunday.
Oct 17, 2022
Little usage as clear No. 2
Cook carried just two times for eight yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game during Sunday's win over Kansas City.
ANALYSIS
For those in deeper leagues, Cook managers received a boost when Zack Moss was made a healthy inactive for the game, but it was too close of a contest for the team to put much on a rookie's shoulders, especially with Devin Singletary and quarterback Josh Allen capable of handling most of the load with aplomb. For the longer term, at least it looks like Cook has already moved past Moss on the depth chart, and the Bills do have an easier schedule following the team's Week 7 bye, games where Buffalo could give Cook some extra playing time if it wrests control of the action.
Oct 10, 2022
Scores first NFL touchdown
Cool rushed four times for 31 yards and touchdown in Sunday's win over the Steelers. He was not targeted in the passing game.
ANALYSIS
Cook saw extra time with the game being a laugher, as all four of the Bills' top rushers averaged at least seven yards per carry. And that's outside of Josh Allen's 424 passing yards. Both Cook and Zack Moss are well behind Devin Singletary in the pecking order, though Cook -- a second-round rookie -- showed some real burst on his TD run Sunday, and it'll be interesting to see how the carries shake out in the coming weeks when Singletary needs a breather.
Oct 5, 2022
Plays two offensive snaps
Cook did not record a single rushing attempt and failed to reel in his lone target in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Cook was a complete non-factor in the contest, playing on just two offensive snaps. Starter Devin Singletary is handling the majority of the team's snaps out of the backfield, leaving few opportunities for both Cook and fellow backup Zack Moss. The rookie will look to improve upon his down week as Buffalo's No. 3 running back when the Bills host the Steelers in Week 5.
Sep 19, 2022
Gets 11 carries in mop-up duty
Cook rushed 11 times for 53 yards and failed to catch his only target in Monday's 41-7 win over the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Cook got an extensive audition after the game got out of hand, and the rookie second-round pick looked explosive, with most of his yardage coming on a 33-yard burst to open Buffalo's final drive. For now, Cook's usage in competitive games will be limited to splitting change-of-pace duties behind Devin Singletary with Zack Moss, though this likely won't be the last blowout the Bills orchestrate in 2022.
Sep 10, 2022
Debut to forget
Cook fumbled on his very first NFL rushing attempt in Thursday's win over the Rams and did not receive another carry of target in the passing game.
ANALYSIS
If Cook was coached by the great Bill Belichick, he might not see the field again until Week 16. While we can kid on that point, the Bills didn't bench him completely following the miscue. Still, Cook saw only five percent of the offensive snaps compared to Devin Singletary's 59 percent and and Zack Moss's 37 percent. While Cook is a second-round pick and has plenty of upside, it's hard to see him leap-frogging Singletary even if he does hold onto the ball better. He'll see his looks, but it's going to be tough to start this rookie in fantasy lineups as part of a running back by committee (where he's not even the top guy) matched with a guy that's one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the league. Cook is a bench guy for now with long-term upside.
Aug 26, 2022
Starts preseason finale
Cook carried the ball three times for 13 yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Bills. He also had one reception that went for no gain.
ANALYSIS
Cook started the game, though Devin Singletary didn't tally any statistics in the team's preseason finale. Cook was stymied on the team's first drive, gaining no yards on a carry and reception. He also was called for chop block penalty, though the foul was declined. Cook rebounded for gains of nine and four yards on the ground during the team's second drive, his only action of the contest. He figures to work behind Devin Singletary to begin the season, though Cook's role could expand if he impresses early on.
Aug 20, 2022
Strong preseason showing
Cook ran for 38 yards on four carries and caught a 12-yard reception on one target in Buffalo's preseason game against Denver on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The explosive running Cook demonstrated at Georgia has so far carried over to the NFL, and he appears ready for whatever role the Bills might have for him -- seemingly a pass-heavy role off the bench behind starter Devin Singletary. Singletary (four carries for 39 yards) and Zack Moss (four carries for 19 yards and two touchdowns) did some flexing of their own against Denver, which is a useful reminder that this backfield might rotate often.
Aug 13, 2022
Minimal impact in preseason debut
Cook carried the ball three times for five yards in Saturday's 27-24 preseason win over the Colts. He added one reception on one target for five yards.
ANALYSIS
Cook mixed in with Zack Moss on the Bills' first offensive possession of the game and was on the field for a few offensive possessions thereafter. He couldn't get going in any facet of the game and was outplayed by Moss, who managed 37 yards on three attempts. Devin Singletary didn't suit up Saturday but is expected to serve as the lead back in Buffalo to begin the season, while Moss and Cook figure to battle for a complementary role out of the backfield.
Aug 5, 2022
Fleshing out receiving skills
Cook has taken some reps with the wide receivers in camp to work on his route running and footwork, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bills are enthralled with Cook's pass-catching ability out of the backfield, so the rookie second-round pick's likely to carve out a role as a change-of-pace complement to Devin Singletary. Spending some time with the receivers coaches should help Cook hone his skill set, though he's still likely to play primarily at running back in games.
Apr 29, 2022
Circles the wagons in Buffalo
The Bills selected Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 63rd overall.
ANALYSIS
Buffalo adds speed and pass-catching ability to its backfield with the Cook selection. A five-star recruit out of high school and brother of Dalvin, Cook took awhile to hit his stride at Georgia but was always impressive on a per-touch basis before breaking out as a senior. He saw a career-high 113 carries for the national champions and converted those into 728 yards and seven touchdowns. Cook's most NFL-ready traits are his route running, pass catching and elusiveness. Georgia often split Cook out wide and used him on downfield routes in 2021. Cook is light for an NFL running back at 199 pounds, so he does not project for a workhorse role, but his explosiveness and passing-down chops should allow him to see the field. He will be competing with other young backs in Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, however, so it will be a battle for him to make a big impact as a rookie.