The Buffalo Bills received positive news on the injury front Friday as dynamic running back James Cook was a full participant in practice and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday’s home matchup with the Tennessee Titans. Cook’s return provides a boost to a Bills offense that relied heavily on rookie sensation Ray Davis in last week’s victory over the Jets.
Cook had emerged as an explosive weapon out of the backfield before a toe injury sidelined him for the Bills’ Week 6 win. The second-year back’s ability to make plays as both a runner and receiver gives quarterback Josh Allen another dangerous option in an already potent attack. With Cook back in the fold, Buffalo’s offense should be operating at full strength against a tough Titans defense.
Davis’ Status Looms Large
While Cook’s return is a welcome development, the status of Ray Davis is one that Bears watching heading into the weekend. The undrafted rookie turned in a breakout performance against the Jets, leading the Bills in both rushing and receiving. However, Davis popped up on the injury report Thursday with a calf issue and was a limited participant in practice to close out the week.
Head coach Sean McDermott downplayed the severity of Davis’ injury when speaking with reporters Friday. “At the time, didn’t feel like it was anything significant,” McDermott said. “But then it popped up again yesterday during practice. So we’ll see how [Davis] does today and go from there.” The Bills officially listed Davis as questionable for Sunday’s tilt with Tennessee.
Backfield Outlook
Even if Davis is unable to go, the Bills’ backfield appears to be in capable hands. Cook was in the midst of a breakout season prior to his injury, providing big plays to complement the bruising running style of starter Devin Singletary. Cook’s receiving skills make him a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Bills also have veteran running back Duke Johnson on the practice squad as additional depth. Johnson, who has had productive seasons with the Browns, Texans and Dolphins, could be elevated to the active roster if Davis is ultimately ruled out. No matter how the backfield rotation shakes out, expect Buffalo’s rushing attack to play a key role Sunday against a Titans defense allowing over 120 yards per game on the ground.
Matchup to Watch
Cook’s potential return sets the stage for an intriguing matchup of dual-threat backs. The Titans counter with star runner Derrick Henry, one of the most physically imposing ball carriers in the NFL. Henry is also a capable receiver, as evidenced by his 206 receiving yards this season, already a career high.
Both the Bills and Titans will look to establish the run early to open up downfield shots in the passing game. For Buffalo, a successful ground attack could prove key in keeping the ball out of Henry’s hands and the Tennessee offense off the field. The Bills’ defense has been stingy overall but has shown some vulnerability to power running games.
“You’ve got to stop [Henry] before he gets started,” said Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “He’s a big back who picks up steam as the game goes on. It’ll take a full team effort to contain him.”
– Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills linebacker
Injury Picture Improving for Buffalo
Cook and Davis aren’t the only Bills dealing with injuries. But after being ravaged by ailments early in the season, Buffalo is finally getting healthier. No starters appeared on the final injury report, a positive sign as the team begins a stretch of four home games in the next five weeks.
The most notable return is Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Oliver’s ability to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield could be crucial to containing Henry and forcing Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill into obvious passing situations.
- S Jordan Poyer and CB Taron Johnson also return after missing time.
- RT Spencer Brown was a full participant in practice after being limited with an ankle injury.
- WR Jake Kumerow is set to play after missing two games with a high ankle sprain.
The only Bills ruled out for Sunday are backup running back Darrynton Evans (hamstring) and defensive lineman Brandin Bryant (illness). Special teams ace and backup safety Mike Edwards is questionable with an illness.
Stakes Are High in AFC Battle
Sunday’s clash at Highmark Stadium could carry significant playoff implications in a loaded AFC. The Bills, fresh off a dominant win over Kansas City, are looking to maintain their perch atop the conference standings. Tennessee is fighting to keep pace in the equally competitive AFC South.
A Bills victory would create further separation from the pack and bolster their case for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Titans are seeking a signature road win against a Super Bowl favorite to announce their presence as a legitimate title contender.
With star power on both sides and postseason positioning at stake, this interconference battle has all the makings of a memorable October slugfest. The Bills are riding high but can’t afford a letdown against a dangerous Tennessee squad. For the Titans, it’s a chance to prove they belong in the AFC’s upper echelon.
Final Thoughts
James Cook’s return should provide the Bills’ offense with an added dimension against the Titans. His explosive playmaking ability as a runner and receiver makes Buffalo all the more difficult to defend. If Ray Davis can also go, the Bills’ backfield will be at full strength.
But the Titans present a formidable challenge, led by a punishing ground game and an opportunistic defense. The Bills will need to be at their best to prevail in what could be a pivotal showdown for playoff seeding.
