One of the more fascinating storylines in New England Patriots training camp, thus far, has been in the running back room. Between the veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, the Patriots have a fun one-two punch and position battle going on.
Elsewhere in the AFC East, though, there is another significant running back storyline that isn't so positive. While the Patriots have some healthy competition going on, the Buffalo Bills suddenly don't even have their star running back on the field for camp in James Cook.
When it came time for practice in the Bills' most recent practice, Cook showed up to training camp, Sunday, in his street clothes and did not participate. When asked why he was not practicing, Cook continued answering questions with one simple word:
"Business."
Patriots' running back situation suddenly looks much brighter than the Bills'
Bills general manager Brandon Beane was on a local radio show after the fact and commented on the situation at hand.
"It's not something we were fully aware of until shortly before practice. I get it. I understand it. It's the world we're in, I guess, of how players want to respond," he said.
As of this very moment, the Bills do not have Cook on the field. This contract standoff has gone on for months now without a resolution. While there is still reason for Bills fans to be optimistic, you cannot argue with the facts. He isn't on the field, and without him, the back field takes a hit.
Sure, Ray Davis may have looked ready to take on a larger role as a rookie, but can he be an every-down back? I have my doubts.
Back to New England, though, and you've got an experienced starter in Stevenson (despite his shortcomings) and an explosive rookie in Henderson. Even if they have to split touches, the Patriots' duo looks quite formidable in comparison to what Buffalo has going on at the moment.
Now, we're not saying this situation in Buffalo could prevent the Bills from winning the division, but it will sure help the Patriots' chances if Cook's situation takes a turn for the worse.