Who Should I Start? James Cook or Bucky Irving

Tuesday, July 22, 10:44 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will report to Bills training camp despite his ongoing contract dispute, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Cook is looking for a new contract after his 23-touchdown season last year and is a candidate to be a "hold-in" this preseason, meaning he would attend practices and meetings (while avoiding fines) but not actually take part in practice. Cook is looking for an extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, and he stayed away from the team through OTAs before attending mandatory minicamp in mid-June. With Cook in search of a big deal and entering a contract year, some reports are suggesting the team could turn to more of a committee with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson getting more work alongside Cook this season. Cook's status and potential new deal will be one of the top stories for the Bills this preseason, as they look to win a sixth straight AFC East title. Cook is an elite fantasy running back if he's in the workhorse role, as expected, but keep an eye on his contract situation since it could impact his availability down the line.

Thursday, June 26, 6:10 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, who is expected to see more opportunities in 2025, has improved his footwork and pass protection, according to head coach Todd Bowles. "He got to where he needed to be, but his footwork wasn't always the cleanest last season," Bowles says. "He's cleaned that up." Despite only "starting" three games in 2024, Irving finished as the RB13 in point-per-reception scoring in fantasy in his rookie season by racking up 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 rushing attempts. He added 47 receptions on 52 targets for 392 yards through the air. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of size and athleticism with excellent vision and a knack for breaking tackles in open space. The primary concern with Irving as it pertains to being a true RB1 is the question of whether he can be a true workhorse back and withstand all the physical punishment between the tackles.