Who Should I Start? James Cook or Kaleb Johnson

Wednesday, July 30, 8:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.

Friday, July 25, 3:19 PM

PG Sports Now's Brian Batko reports that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson was the second RB (behind Jaylen Warren) to work with the first-team offense in training camp practice on Thursday. Johnson is an ideal fit for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense, and although the Steelers have Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon and Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed), Johnson could have a nice little role in his first year in the NFL. Ideally, Johnson would be the No. 2 for Pittsburgh this year next to Warren. His production last year at Iowa was impressive -- 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries -- and he also has the benefit of being in a run-first offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Johnson will split touches with Warren, but he has enough big-play ability to be in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy right away.