Will Bills RB James Cook Become 'A Star?'

Can James Cook have a breakout season for the Buffalo Bills?

It's no secret that the Buffalo Bills can put more of an emphasis on the running game this season … but who will step up?

Josh Allen is the engine that makes Buffalo's offense goes and has become more of a presence in the running game. He's ran for over 750 yards in each of the last two seasons  and was the team's second-leading rusher in 2022 while also leading the team with seven rushing touchdowns.

Running back Devin Singletary led the Bills with 819 rushing yards but signed with the Houston Texans this offseason. With Singletary out of the picture and it seeming unfeasible to put more on Allen's plate, that could pave the way for running back James Cook. 

ESPN picked a potential surprise for each team this season, and picked Cook becoming "A star in this offense," for the Bills.

"Second-year offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey knows he needs to tweak the approach," ESPN writes. "And even if they don't run more, Cook is a really good pass-catcher and can contribute there. He has drawn rave reviews throughout training camp."

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Cook ran for 507 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie last season. He also led Buffalo's running backs in yards per attempt, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt.The Bills took Cook in the second round with the No. 63 overall pick. 

If Cook can maintain that level of success, he can become the consistent presence in Buffalo's running game that its been looking for. 

"The last time the Bills rook a running back that high was C.J. Spiller in 2010, and before that, it was Marshawn Lynch in 2007," ESPN writes. "Buffalo has all kinds of incentive to get Cook the ball and let him showcase his big-play ability."

Regardless of where Cook was drafted, he should get more touches to bolster the Bills offense and take pressure off of Allen. Allen has seen an increase in carries in each of the last three seasons, and increasing his workload anymore will put him more at risk for injury.

If Cook can be the answer the Bills are looking for in their running game, it'd add another dimension to an already strong offense and take some much needed weight off of Allen's shoulders. 

Buffalo starts its season on Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium when they face its division-rival, the New York Jets at 8:15 p.m.