Buffalo could be without it top yards-getter in Monday night’s AFC East showdown against the Jets.
Bills running back James Cook is listed as questionable to play due to foot and toe injuries that held him out of two practices this week before he participated in a limited capacity on Saturday.
After enjoying a mini breakout down the stretch in 2023, Cook has been even better to start his third NFL season as the head of Buffalo’s backfield. Through five games, Cook leads the team with 432 scrimmage yards and five scrimmage touchdowns, and he’s one of just three players in the NFL alongside the Saints’ Alvin Kamara and Vikings’ Aaron Jones to tally 300-plus rushing yards and 100-plus receiving yards.
His four rushing touchdowns on the year doubled his career total prior to 2024.
Given the enormity Monday’s game versus New York, which will decide who stands atop the division a third of the way through the season, the Bills will be desperately hoping Cook recovers enough over the next two days to play.
If not, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson should share the task of replacing Cook. Together, the two are averaging 3.5 yards on 36 combined carries for 117 yards. Johnson would presumably serve as the bigger backfield receiving threat, given their skill sets, while Davis could field the majority of carries.
With the Bills looking to avoid a three-game losing streak and facing the league’s top-five scoring defense, it’s imperative they are able to field a strong rushing attack regardless of who suits up — especially because the Jets are more susceptible on the ground (ranked 14th in rushing yards allowed) than through the air (ranked 2nd).
Elsewhere, Khalil Shakir, the team’s leading receiver, is also expected to be listed as questionable with an ankle injury. That could leave Josh Allen dependent on WRs Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, tight end Dalton Kincaid and whatever backs he has at his disposal as he looks to break out of a slump.
Buffalo (3-2) kicks off against New York (2-3) at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday.
