James Cook has been one of the NFL’s best running backs during the 2025 NFL season. Will the Buffalo Bills have him at their disposal against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10?
Cook was held out of the Bills’ first practice of the week on Nov. 5 because of an injury. Bills coach Sean McDermott did not provide a timeline for Cook’s return from the malady.
Cook is averaging an NFL-best 108.4 rushing yards per game this season and his 867 rushing yards are second-most in the league behind only Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor (895).
Here’s what to know about Cook’s injury and how Buffalo’s running back depth chart shakes out behind him.
James Cook injury update
McDermott announced Cook would be among the players not participating in practice as the veteran running back deals with a foot and ankle injury.
‘Came up during the game,’ McDermott told reporters of Cook’s injury ahead of practice on Nov. 5. ‘Just sore in the last couple of days.’
McDermott did not provide an update on the severity of Cook’s injury, nor whether it would put him in danger of missing Buffalo’s Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins.
Who is James Cook’s backup?
The Bills list Ray Davis as the backup to Cook on their unofficial depth chart.
Davis was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. The 25-year-old has totaled just 46 yards on 22 carries (2.1 yards per carry average) and 18 yards and a touchdown on three catches thus far in 2025 while playing 65 offensive snaps.
Davis totaled 442 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries as a rookie. He also added 189 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 17 receptions.
Bills RB depth chart
The Bills currently have three running backs on their 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order within the unit:
- James Cook
- Ray Davis
- Ty Johnson
While Johnson is listed as the third-string running back on Buffalo’s depth chart, he has actually played far more offensive snaps (143) than Davis (65). That’s because Johnson has served as the Bills’ top receiving back, which has allowed him plenty of action on third downs and as a change-of-pace option.
Despite his larger snap share, Johnson has fewer carries (17) this season than Davis (22). Johnson has been more efficient than his counterpart, totaling 72 yards and a touchdown on his carries and adding four catches for 31 yards, so the 28-year-old veteran could have a significant role alongside Davis if Cook misses Week 10.
The Bills also have Frank Gore Jr. on the practice squad and could call up the 23-year-old for Sunday’s game if they need depth at running back.