Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is having a fantastic season. He's a near-lock to score double-digit fantasy points when he plays a full game, and he's averaged a touchdown for every game he's played so far. He's the engine of his offense and has the trust of his quarterback and the offensive staff.
He has an excellent role and is the primary running back for all situations. The other running backs seem to come in just to give him a break a few times a game, which is normal for most players. He dominates the snaps and opportunities at his position and there's little threat that he will lose his prominent position in the offense.
However, he's listed on the team's injury report ahead of Week 6. So will James Cook play tonight and is he healthy?
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James Cook Fantasy Football Injury Update
UPDATE: Cook has been ruled OUT
Cook is currently suffering from a toe injury he picked up in Week 5 when his foot slammed onto the turf after he was tackled by a Houston Texans defender, but reports state he is likely good to go. He missed practice altogether on Thursday and Friday but upgraded to a limited participant on Saturday, which is a good sign.
#Bills James Cook L Foot/Toe inj
Cook’s foot/toe slam’s onto the turf, toes hyperextended. Direct blow through the foot probably didn’t feel great either.
Possible turf toe, thinking foot is more sore, toe is the real inj. This was his last play & favored it walking off field. pic.twitter.com/MxWtdf59es
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) October 9, 2024
Cook has stated that he plans to play Monday when the Bills take on the New York Jets on the road. It's unknown the exact severity of his injury or whether he'll be load-managed this game, and it's not completely clear if he will play, as he's listed as "questionable" on the injury report. He's reportedly trending upwards, though.
Fantasy managers will likely need to check for updates leading up to the game, and the final list of active players will tell us whether he will be held out or not.
James Cook Fantasy Football Injury Impact
He could see a limited workload due to his injury, but he's played far better than the other players he shares the running back room with, so he may not be restricted much. Toe injuries are tricky, and fantasy managers aren't working with much information here. He's still worth starting due to his upside.
Ray Davis should be rostered in every league 💯
Ty Johnson was the backup in week 5, logging 36% of the RB snaps, but if James Cook misses time with this injury, the rookie is the back I want in fantasy📈
Turf Toe ➡️ 1-3 weeks
Lisfranc ➡️ Injured Reservepic.twitter.com/gkmB4RB3Fv— FANTASY UMPIRE (@FantasyUmpire) October 10, 2024
Cook's fantasy managers should consider picking up backup Ray Davis. If the lead back ends up being inactive, the rookie will likely carry most of the load. It's a tough matchup against a stingy Jets defense, but there aren't many other options since it's Monday, and all games but one have already been played.
Whichever running back ends up starting for Buffalo is worth a start in most fantasy leagues this week.
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