Buffalo Bills RB James Cook Gives Team Life After Early Benching vs. Denver Broncos

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook made an early mistake in Monday's meeting with the Denver Broncos before sitting on the sidelines for three straight possessions.

Buffalo Bills second-year running back James Cook quickly found his way to the sidelines in the first quarter of Monday night's matchup with the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium.

It looked like he'd be staying there for a while.

But despite fumbling on the first play from scrimmage, Cook bounced back from an early benching and helped give the Bills a semblance of a pulse on offense. After sitting on the sideline for three straight offensive drives, he finally got his second touch on his first snap since the opening play at the 7:10 mark of the second quarter. The eight-yard catch, which saw him fight off multiple defenders to gain extra yardage, mark the first of four straight touches for Cook, who got three consecutive carries and gained 21 yards after this.

The Bills scored a few plays later to make it a 9-8 game after trailing 9-0.

The turnover marked just the second fumble (second fumble lost) of Cook's young career after he fumbled on his first-career touch in last season's opening win over the Los Angeles Rams.

James Cook / © Kareem Elgazzar, The Enquirer

During Monday's mistake, Cook caught a three-yard pass from Josh Allen and was met by multiple Bronco defenders before Denver cornerback Ja'Quan McMillan stripped it clean from his grasp and made the recovery.

Despite having to kickoff just a few moments prior, the Broncos were instead immediately set up at the Buffalo 22-yard line. Luckily for the Bills, their defense forced Denver into a field goal attempt after a quick three-and-out.

After the fumble, Cook stayed on the sideline. In his place, veteran Latavius Murray received most of the snaps. In the first half, Murray finished with six carries for 54 yards and one catch. Even running back Ty Johnson, who didn't have a carry with the Bills headed into Monday, got into the game and received a handoff before Cook returned. The Bills also recently signed former Tampa Bay Bucs and Jacksonville Jags running back Leonard Fournette to the practice squad, but he's yet to be elevated this season.

Cook has had a productive 2023 campaign during his second year in the NFL. Headed into Week 10, he had 108 carries for 506 yards but just one rushing score.