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News

Newer update on James Cook: James Cook's carries could decrease if fumbles continue, says Joe Brady

James Cook's touches could decrease after Week 5 fumbles vs. Rams

Bills head coach Joe Brady said James Cook's carries could decrease if his ball security issues continue.

By Cole Hartwell

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook fumbled twice in Monday night’s 37-34 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams, and head coach Joe Brady made clear that could cost Cook playing time moving forward. Brady said in his Tuesday news conference, “At some point there has to be consequences when we’re putting negative stuff out there.”

What happened

Cook fumbled once during the opening possession of overtime after a 57-yard completion from Josh Allen to Khalil Shakir set up Buffalo near the red zone. Rams linebacker Nate Landman punched the ball loose and Aaron Donald recovered it, giving Los Angeles a chance to win the game. The Rams’ ensuing 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked, and Buffalo later won on a field goal of their own.

Brady said Cook is doing many good things as a runner, but the fumbles are negating the positives. “It’s gotta improve, or the carries are gonna decrease,” Brady said.

Context

Cook ran 25 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams, giving him 22.8 PPR points on the night. Through five weeks, Cook has 95 carries for 532 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus seven catches for 31 yards.

The fumbles are the only blemish on an otherwise strong start. Cook now has four fumbles on the season, tied with Cam Skattebo for the most among running backs through five weeks. He also lost six fumbles a season ago.

Timeline

  • October 13: After the Bills’ overtime win over the Rams, Brady threatened Cook’s workload if the fumbles continue, saying the conversations are ongoing and that Cook knows ball security is important.
  • Week 5: Cook fumbled twice, including on the Bills’ first overtime possession. Buffalo escaped with a 37-34 victory that improved their record to 4-1.

Depth chart

Ty Johnson is the Bills’ RB2. He has just one carry for 3 yards on the season but has been involved in the passing game with 10 catches for 131 yards. Ray Davis is the RB3. He has four carries for 8 yards and two catches for 35 yards.

What’s next

The Bills travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6 on Sunday. Cook’s Week 6 projection is 16.9 PPR points.

HC Joe Brady on James Cook fumbling twice in Week 5: "That can't happen. It's going to cost us football games — it almost costed us one... It's got to improve or the carries are going to decrease."

🏈 Fantasy impact

Cook managers should treat this as a warning, not an immediate demotion. Brady’s comments are conditional on future fumbles, and Cook remains the clear lead back with 67% snap share and a top-3 rushing total. However, his ball security has become a weekly risk, and a single costly fumble against Las Vegas could trigger the consequences Brady described. Ty Johnson is the most likely beneficiary of any reduced carries, especially in PPR formats, as his 10 catches for 131 yards show a defined receiving role. Ray Davis would gain value only if Cook is outright benched, which no report suggests is imminent. Cook remains a low-end RB1 for Week 6 but carries more downside risk than his projection suggests.

Quick answers

Will James Cook play in Week 6?

Cook is expected to play against the Raiders in Week 6, but his touches could be reduced if he continues to fumble, according to coach Joe Brady.

Sources

  1. NFL schedule, Week 6 (ESPN)
  2. Player data (Sleeper)
  3. Buffalo Bills depth chart, RB (Sleeper)
  4. Bills coach boldly threatens star James Cook of ‘consequences’ notice as fumble issue persists (Yahoo Sports)
  5. Bills' Joe Brady threatens playing time 'consequences' for James Cook III over fumble issues (CBS Sports)
  6. Bills HC Joe Brady on James Cook's fumbles: 'It's gotta improve, or the carries are gonna decrease" (Yahoo Sports)
  7. HC Joe Brady on James Cook fumbling twice in Week 5: "That can't happen. It's going to cost us football games — it almost costed us one... It's got to improve or the carries are going to decrease." (X (@UnderdogNFL))
  8. James Cook could get less touches after mistake-filled game on Monday Night Football (Sporting News)

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