The Buffalo Bills offense will have their star back on the field on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets.
On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bills running back James Cook plans to play on Monday night when the Jets host Buffalo. Cook exited last week’s loss late in the game with a toe injury. He had not practiced all week, but Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced on Saturday that the back would be limited at practice and questionable for the game.
This is a significant boost for a Bills offense. Had Cook not been able to play, Buffalo’s backfield would have been a 1-2 punch of veteran Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. Cook has been a bright spot for Buffalo’s offense through five weeks. To date, Cook has rushed for 309 yards and four touchdowns on 70 attempts (4.4 YPC). He also has 123 yards receiving and one touchdown on 11 receptions.
Cook’s strong start should come as no surprise. The back had a breakout season in 2023 finishing with 1,567 scrimmage yards. This was good for sixth in the NFL behind Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Breece Hall and Puka Nacua.
Cook could be the first of a few players who could provide a boost to the Bills on Monday Night Football. In addition to Cook, McDermott said that wide receiver Khalil Shakir, cornerback Taron Johnson and defensive tackle Austin Johnson would all practice in some capacity on Saturday and would be listed as questionable for the AFC East battle.