Who Should I Start? James Conner or James Cook

Thursday, May 29, 1:04 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (knee) took part in voluntary organized team activities on Wednesday. "I'm ready," Conner said. "We ain't doing this forever." Conner injured his right knee in Week 16 of last year and had six touches before being pulled in Week 17. The Cardinals placed him on Injured Reserve for the Week 18 regular-season finale, but the 30-year-old veteran appears to be fine now and ready to go for the start of the 2025 season this fall. He racked up a career-high 1,518 scrimmage yards on 236 carries while catching 47 of 55 targets in 2024. It was the healthiest Conner had been in his career, so fantasy managers definitely should expect some more missed time given his age and physical running style. For now, he's still being considered a workhorse back in Arizona, but more injuries could give Trey Benson more of a role eventually.

Tuesday, June 10, 12:31 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is officially present at mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, although it's unclear how much he'll actually participate this week as he seeks a new long-term deal, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cook skipped voluntary organized team activities in April and May but wasn't ready to be fined by skipping minicamp as he looks for a new deal as he heads into the final year of his current deal. The 25-year-old former second-rounder had a big year for the Bills and fantasy managers in his third season in 2024. After scoring four rushing touchdowns combined in his first two seasons, Cook broke out with a league-high 16 TDs on the ground while finishing with 1,009 rushing yards on 207 carries. He added 32 catches for 258 yards and two more scores. The two-time Pro Bowler will face serious TD regression in 2025 but should still be the unquestioned RB1 in Buffalo.