The Athletic Football Show on James Cook

PodcastWeek 4 Recap: Chiefs and 49ers Remain unbeated, Jaguars win ugly, CeeDee Lamb g...October 5, 2026

From the episode

This is James Cook's lowest carry total since the end of the twenty twenty four season. Twelve carries. And like it was it was working. You had a sixty seven percent rushing success rate as a team.

Mentioned at 58:00 – 58:30

STACKED’s take

Negative signalUsage

Cook's 12-carry game was his lowest since late 2024 despite strong rushing efficiency.

Cook received only 12 carries in Week 4, his lowest carry total since the end of the 2024 season, despite the Bills' 67% rushing success rate and 53% team rushing success rate. The source notes this was particularly frustrating given Cook's talent level and the offensive context where the run game was working effectively.