Bills RB James Cook Reveals 'Obvious' Role for Next Season: 'Change The Game!'

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is looking to "change the game" as a potential starter next season.

Who will be the day-one starter at running back for the Buffalo Bills next season?

That's the question on the mind of many members of Bills Mafia this offseason, though there might not be an obvious answer. Whoever is in the backfield for the team's first offensive snap of the season may not necessarily be Buffalo's starter.

But maybe second-year running back James Cook knows something we don't.

Cook, who has been the favorite to be the team's starting running back ahead of next season, is hardly guaranteed anything due to the signing of veteran ball-carriers Latavius Murray and Damien Harris this offseason. Both guys are proven backs in the league and will almost certainly receive a solid amount of touches.

On the surface, a running back-by-committee approach seems to be the more-obvious plan for a team that hasn't had 1,000-yard rusher since 2017. But Cook has other ideas.

"Obviously RB1," Cook said on "The Rich Eisen Show" when asked what he thinks his role will be next season.

It's possible that the coaching staff has already told him what to expect, though there's been no "obvious" indication this offseason that he's the guaranteed starter. Maybe his statement is more of a personal vote of confidence than anything.

But regardless of what his role will entail, he's ready to "change the game" for a Super Bowl-hungry Bills team.

“Just try come in and do what I do," Cook said. "Change the game with my versatility,” Cook said. "Catching the ball out of the backfield. Pass blocking. Just try to do what I can do to help the team win games and ultimately win the Super Bowl."

Cook will be switching his jersey number to No. 4 next season, just like his brother and former Minnesota Vikings running back, Dalvin, wore this past year. But he's looking to take after his brother in more ways than one.

“My goal is to be an All-Pro or Pro Bowler like my brother,” Cook said. “Hopefully be in the Pro Bowl with him one day.”

Cook (the Bills version that is) finished his rookie season with 16 appearances, totaling 89 carries for 507 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 21 catches for 180 yards and another score. After fumbling on his first carry of the season, he didn't let the ball leave his hands for the rest of the year.

Now comes the time for him to take that "big step" and potentially prove he's worthy of a RB1-like role.

“I’m ready to work," he said. "This is a big step and a goal that I wanted to accomplish in the NFL. Just do what I can do to help the team win games.”

---

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

Thanks for reading our SI-powered coverage of your Buffalo Bills ... Bills Mafia!

You're a member of Bills Mafia hungry for more Buffalo coverage? Read here.