Bills ease another offensive weapon into the lineup

In Week 13 against New England, however, he touched the ball a career-high 20 times -- 14 rushes for 64 yards and six catches for 41 more. Cook, who played 32 snaps, broke off explosive runs when defenders were out of position and posed a threat as a receiver.

As the season heads into the home stretch, he might get an even bigger role.

Singletary has played solidly but has limitations. At 5-foot-7, he is a tiny target as a receiver, and he's not fast. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds at the combine, not ideal for a running back who is barely over 200 pounds. 

The Bills have looked to upgrade at running back for a while.

Buffalo traded up for Zack Moss in the third round in 2020, were rumored to be interested in Travis Etienne two years ago, and had a deal fall through with J.D. McKissic -- all before drafting Cook this past year. 

Buffalo's actions have pointed toward more "hope" for Cook's outlook this season than belief, considering their trade of Moss to the Colts for receiving back Nyheim Hines before the trade deadline. 

Cook has 15 catches on 24 targets this season, a stat boosted by catching all six of his targets versus the Patriots in Week 13.

Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has praised Cook's ability to "get north/south" and create run- after-catch opportunities. He also has complimented his development and vision.

Cook is still a relatively inexperienced running back. In four college seasons, he had 230 carries, roughly half that of his college teammate, D'Andre Swift, whose 440 carries came in only three seasons. 

Cook doesn't have to live up to the legacy of his brother, Dalvin, a star at running back for the Vikings.

With more reps and familiarity, though, he can be a factor the rest of the regular season and beyond.