The Buffalo Bills pulled off a hard-fought 23-20 win over the New York Jets on Monday night, but they did so without their lead running back, James Cook, who missed the game due to a toe injury suffered in last week’s loss to the Houston Texans.
Cook’s Injury and Late Scratches
Cook was listed as questionable heading into the game after being limited in Saturday’s practice.
According to head coach Sean McDermott, the team planned to test Cook pregame to see if he could play. However, they ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the risk.
“He felt he wasn’t gonna be able to help the team. We all respect that. We want him out there. He wants to be out there, and hopefully, he can get back for this week,” McDermott said.
Rookie Frank Gore Jr. Called Up in Cook’s Absence
With Cook sidelined, the Bills elevated Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad for his NFL debut.
Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis carried most of the offensive load in the backfield. Davis, in particular, stepped up with crucial runs that helped the Bills control the pace of the game.
Impact of Injuries on Both Sides of the Ball
The Bills were also without Ed Oliver, their standout defensive tackle, due to a hamstring injury.
On the positive side, the team saw the return of several key players:
Taron Johnson (nickel corner) played his first game since Week 1.
Khalil Shakir (ankle) and Austin Johnson were both active after being listed as questionable.
A Crucial Win for the Bills
The victory over the Jets helped Buffalo avoid their first three-game losing streak since 2018 and kept them in the hunt in the competitive AFC East. McDermott expressed confidence that Cook could return soon, but the Bills will need to stay flexible with their offensive strategy if the running back needs more time to heal.
“We know James wants to be out there, and we want him back,” McDermott said. “But it’s important he’s healthy so he can help us the way we need.”
With or without Cook, the Bills will now turn their focus to maintaining their momentum as they gear up for next week’s matchup.
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