The Buffalo Bills had a surprise change at running back Monday. Ahead of their Week 6 game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, James Cook was ruled out with a toe injury that had been giving him discomfort. It marked the first NFL game Cook missed in his three years in the league.
The injury, which he sustained in last week's loss to the Houston Texans, caused Cook to be a limited participant in Saturday's practice. He was listed with a questionable designation going into the game. "It's getting better. Just improving every day," Cook said after Saturday's practice. "Trying to get it back stronger, and go out there and help the team, like I said, I'm just taking it day by day, treatment, see what, how I feel on Monday."
With Cook unavailable, the Bills turned to rookie running back Ray Davis, who was elevated from the practice squad. Davis, a fourth-round draft pick in 2024, made an immediate impact, recording over 100 yards from scrimmage in just the first half of the game. Davis' emergence provided a much-needed spark for the Bills' offense, which was struggling without Cook's presence. The Bills are looking to avoid a three-game losing streak for the first time since 2018. The Bills also elevated RB Frank Gore Jr. off the practice squad for tonight's game.
Who is Ray Davis?
Ray Davis is a 24-year-old running back who was drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Davis, who was born in San Francisco, Calif., later went to high schools in New York and New Jersey. He played college football at three different schools, Temple, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky, before making his NFL debut against the New York Jets.
Davis' College Career
Davis started his collegiate career at Temple, where he appeared in 11 games, rushing for 118 yards and scoring one touchdown in 2019. In 2020, he played in just one game due to a season-ending injury. In 2021, he transferred to Vanderbilt, where he gained 611 yards and scored seven touchdowns in 10 games. In 2022, he carried the ball 166 times for 771 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.
Davis' final season was at Kentucky in 2023, where he had 226 carries for 894 yards and six touchdowns. His career totals at the collegiate level were 552 carries for 2,394 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns.
Davis' Impact in the NFL
Prior to starting in Week 6, Davis entered the game logged 75 rushing yards on 26 carries (2.9 average) and a touchdown. He also caught four passes on five targets for 18 yards. He'll be a vital part of the Bills' offense going forward, especially if Cook misses any time.
Bills vs. Jets: A Look at the Injury Report
While Cook's absence is a significant loss for the Bills, they were able to recover some injured players for the game against the Jets. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle), nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, and defensive tackle Austin Johnson were all active after being designated as questionable.
Defensive tackle Ed Oliver (hamstring) is also out, but the Bills will be hoping that the rest of their key players remain healthy in what is shaping up to be a crucial game for both teams. With the Bills and Jets both vying for a playoff spot in a competitive AFC East, every game matters.
The Bills' Locker Room: A Look at Game Day Prep
The Bills' equipment staff set up the locker room prior to the Week 6 Monday Night Football match-up against the New York Jets. The meticulous process involved preparing everything from the players' jerseys to their water bottles, ensuring that each player has everything they need to perform at their best. The attention to detail is a testament to the high standards of the Bills organization.
The Importance of Monday Night Football
The Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets face off on Monday Night Football. This game is an important one for both teams, with implications for the AFC East standings. The Bills are looking to bounce back from two straight losses, while the Jets are aiming to solidify their position in the playoff race. It's a game that has the potential to be a nail-biter, and the Bills need to find a way to get back on track. This is a game that could have a major impact on the rest of the season for both teams.
