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The New York Jets signed running back Dalvin Cook to a one-year, $7 million deal in August. The move paired Cook with superstar running back Breece Hall to form one of the most electric backfields in the NFL. The addition of the veteran ensures that the team can ease Hall back into action following an ACL tear.
Since being picked up by the Jets, Cook has only seen a handful of practices with the team. His first action came on August 29 – only eight days ago – and the veteran is still getting his conditioning back.
So, is Cook playing in Week 1? Should I start him if he plays? Let's dive in.
Is Dalvin Cook Playing In Week 1?
Despite only practicing for the first time last week, Cook is healthy and expected to play in Week 1. The veteran running back was a full participant in last Tuesday's practice with a shoulder injury, and he is ready to go for the season opener.
There was little doubt that Cook wouldn't be ready for Week 1. With the Jets playing the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 on Monday, September 11, the team will want to be at full strength heading into a big divisional game.
His running back mate, Hall, will also likely be active for this game, according to reports. The young superstar tore his ACL in Week 7 of his rookie campaign. All signs point to him being ready for the 2023 season opener. Both playmakers should give the Jets an added boost out of the backfield.
Should I Start Dalvin Cook in Week 1?
While we don't exactly know how New York will distribute its backfield touches, we likely know that Cook will be the featured back early in the year, especially in Week 1. With Hall expected to be limited following his ACL tear, the vet will receive most of the running back work to open the season.
Still, Cook is a risky play in Week 1 against a very dominant Buffalo defense. The Bills allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game in 2022 (104.8), and most of the defensive starters from a year ago remain with the team. Mix in Hall, who will be involved on offense too, and there isn't a ton of upside for the 28-year-old.
Head coach Robert Saleh also said that even though neither running back will be on a snap count, the team will be "smart with their usage." Cook is an RB3/flex play for the season opener in Week 1.
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