Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not participate in practice on Sunday and has indicated he will not practice on Monday either, citing “business” as the reason for this absence. This development has escalated concerns about a potential hold-in situation for Cook amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Initially, the outlook seemed promising when Cook reported to training camp eager for a new deal. He was practicing fully until this recent decision to sit out. As a result, his Fantasy football stock may be declining; he was previously ranked RB13 and 31st overall but has now been adjusted to RB15 and 41st overall. This shift could continue if Cook remains off the field.
On the contrary, Ray Davis is expected to benefit from Cook’s situation. Previously considered RB51 and 168th overall in fantasy rankings, Davis has moved up to RB46 and 120th overall. Given his performance last season, particularly in a game without Cook where he accumulated 97 rushing yards and 55 receiving yards, he has become a sleeper candidate for many fantasy managers.
Historically, players dealing with contract issues have often seen a downturn in performance. In recent years, high-profile players such as Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jordan Love have missed practice time due to contract disputes. While Chase managed to thrive, achieving a record season, others faced significant declines. For instance, Lamb’s production dropped alongside injuries, and both Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs saw their performances falter under similar circumstances.
Given this backdrop, it’s crucial for Cook to resolve his contract issues promptly to avoid potential declines in his performance trajectory. While he enjoyed a strong 2024 with increased touchdowns, the worry remains that his continued absence may push him further down draft rankings, while Davis’s value rises correspondingly.
Fantasy managers may still hope for Cook’s swift return to the practice field, as he has proven capable of delivering significant production, but the current uncertainty casts a shadow over his upcoming season.