Buffalo Bills RB James Cook Ends Long Franchise Drought in First Half vs. Chargers

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did something no player in franchise history has done in six years during the first half of Saturday's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Buffalo Bills haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher in a single season since LeSean McCoy did it in 2017.

Bills running back James Cook officially ended that six-year drought in the first half of Saturday night's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. 

He finished the first half with eight carries for 37 yards after entering the night with 968 rushing yards. Cook had a career-best game in Week 15's win against the Dallas Cowboys, as he posted 221 offensive yards and two total touchdowns.

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Cook's performance against Dallas earned him the AFC's Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 15.

He then missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, but it didn't impact his status for the game.

Cook talked about his career-high day after the win over the Cowboys.

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"I work my tail off in practice," Cook said after the game. "The confidence level is going to come in practice. Once you practice hard and do the things right, it's a confidence boost and it's going to show on Sundays."

“I just let it rip when I get my opportunity. My O-Linemen, they were opening it up. And I was hitting it and finding that rhythm.”

The Bills lead the Chargers 14-13 in the third quarter.