Is James Cook playing today? Bills RB ceding snaps to backups early in wild-card game

Mike Moraitis

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The Buffalo Bills are not giving running back James Cook a full complement of snaps early on in the wild-card game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Through one drive, the Bills have deployed Cook, as well as backups Ray Davis and Frank Gore Jr.

It was believed that Cook would see even more snaps with fellow rusher Ty Johnson ruled out, but that has not been the case so far.

Here's why.

Why James Cook is ceding snaps to Davis, Gore

Cook doesn't play more snaps for a few reasons.

For starters, the Bills are intent on not overworking their star running back, so they often share snaps between their backs.

Adding to that, Cook doesn't see more work on third downs because he has proven shaky in pass protection during his career.

All that said, with the season on the line in the playoffs, the Bills should be playing Cook much more than they are.