Buffalo Bills training camp has been two major stories. First, there have been a handful of injuries keeping players sidelined during practice. Most of the injuries aren’t long-term, and the players should be back before the start of the season.
Another story from training camp is what the deal is with running back James Cook. The 25-year-old running back has been a topic of the entire offseason since he is in the final year of his contract.
Bills’ James Cook Has Been Holding In
The Bills and Cook haven’t figured out anything with a long-term deal for Cook, and it started to become a rollercoaster last week.
Before last Sunday’s practice, Cook decided he wasn’t going to practice and was going to hold in. He did the same on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. But on Saturday, he showed up to the Bills’ preseason game dressed in full uniform. Cook didn’t participate in any action, but he did return to practice on Monday.
The two-time Pro Bowl running back might’ve gotten scared since backup running back Ty Johnson had a good showing in the preseason game. The 5-foot-10 running back had three carries for 26 yards. Even though he only had three carries, he looked good. The Bills know they can rely on Johnson and Ray Davis if Cook is going to miss games.
Ty Johnson Improved His Status After Preseason Game No. 1
Johnson played so well that Enzo Flojo from ClutchPoints thinks Johnson improved his value this week.
“When you’re fighting for a roster spot as a third-string running back, every rep matters. Ty Johnson made his count. The veteran back carried three times for 26 yards. It was highlighted by a bruising first-down run in the second quarter that ended with a stiff arm straight into a Giants defender’s chest. Johnson’s value to Buffalo extends beyond running the ball. He’s one of Josh Allen’s preferred safety valves in the passing game. That’s a role that fits perfectly in an offense that thrives on short-yardage efficiency. With starter James Cook sitting out amid a contract dispute, Johnson is getting more opportunities to show he can handle a bigger workload,“ Flojo wrote.
“The more Davis and Johnson perform, the more leverage Buffalo has in Cook’s situation. Johnson may never be the featured back. Still, his combination of reliability, versatility, and physical running style makes him a strong candidate to lock down the RB3 job. If Cook’s holdout lingers, Johnson’s stock only rises,“ Flojo added.
Johnson is entering his seventh NFL season and his third with the Bills. He has rushed for 1,270 yards and five touchdowns in 89 games.
The Bills have a good running back room, so if, for some reason, Cook decides not to show up to practice again and hold in, the Bills will be able to get by.
It also helps that Buffalo has one of the best running quarterbacks in Josh Allen, who can carry a huge workload. The Bills should have a great running attack this season with Allen, Cook, and Johnson.
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