James Cook suited up for Buffalo’s preseason opener and warmed with the first team, a subtle signal that health and readiness may outweigh the ongoing extension talks. Cook led the NFL in rushing TDs in 2024 and remains the focal point of Buffalo’s backfield, even as a hold-in unfolds. Ray Davis backed him in the Giants game, even serving as an emergency kicker, underscoring the Bills’ depth behind Cook. Cook’s agent has publicly stated Cook wants to stay in Buffalo and pursue a fair, top-of-market deal, a development that could shape workload early in 2025.

From a fantasy lens, Cook’s status is a two-edged sword: a clean resolution would keep his ceiling sky-high, while a drawn-out negotiation could shift reps toward Davis and other backs at times. Allen’s warmups and participation keep the offense humming, and Buffalo’s trajectory toward another deep playoff run hinges on a healthy, productive backfield capable of absorbing workload if/when the deal lands.