Buffalo Bills running back James Cook stole the stole during the team’s Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys, racking up 179 yards and a touchdown on the ground while also logging a couple of catches for 42 yards and a score.
Unfortunately, Cook hit a bit of a snag this week.
On Wednesday, the Bills announced that Cook did not practice due to an illness, which could put his status for Buffalo’s Saturday matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers in question.
There has been a lot of talk about the Bills lacking a top-tier running back, and while Cook may not be on the level of someone like Christian McCaffrey, he has certainly done a fine job in 2023 and has sort of been an unsung hero for Buffalo.
Through 14 games, Cook has rushed for 968 yards and a pair of touchdowns while averaging a robust 5.1 yards per carry. In addition, he has hauled in 40 receptions for 433 yards and four scores.
Cook, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 24-year-old appeared in 16 contests during his rookie campaign but had a rather limited role behind Devin Singletary, finishing with 507 yards and two touchdowns as a rusher. He added 21 catches for 180 yards and a score.
Singletary ended up walking via free agency this past offseason, opening the door for Cook to become the Bills’ featured halfback.
It seems rather safe to say that Cook has answered the bell, as the youngster will almost surely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this season—something Singletary never did in four seasons in Buffalo.
The Bills have won two games in a row to improve to 8-6 and maintain their standing in the AFC playoff picture. Most recently, they picked up a blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys.
We’ll see if James Cook is healthy enough to suit up against the Chargers this weekend.
More must-reads: