2025 Buffalo Bills training camp preview: Running backs

USA Today

3 days ago

The Buffalo Bills are moving into their next major offseason phase in due time: Training camp.
The Bills will kick off their 2025 training camp on July 23 at St. John Fisher University. As with every offseason, Bills Wire will examine each position group ahead of this pivotal time on the football calendar.
Today's training camp preview will focus on Buffalo's quarterback situation.
Our 2025 running backs preview can be found below:
At the top
James Cook will once again lead the way for the Bills. Cook eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing barrier for the second consecutive season, ending the year with 1,009 yards on 202 carries. Cook was a threat in the passing game as well, catching 32 passes for 258 receiving yards.
Cook broke out, finding the end zone 18 times (16 rushing and 2 receiving) last year.
While Cook played in fewer than half of the offensive snaps last year, his efficiency when he has the ball in his hands makes him the first option out of the backfield. Cook's elusiveness from the handoff and improvements in the receiving game make him a three-down offensive weapon.
Depth chart
According to quarterback Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDermott, the Bills have the best third-down back in the game, Ty Johnson. Johnson doesn't put up gaudy numbers, but the veteran always seems to make things happen when the ball is in his possession. Johnson exploded against his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Week 15, catching five passes for 114 yards. In addition, Johnson made arguably the best catch of the postseason against Denver in the Super Wild Card round of the playoffs.
The Bills also have Ray Davis in the fold. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Davis is a solid depth option for Buffalo. He is a strong runner between the tackles. During his rookie year, Davis carried the ball 113 times for 442 yards and three touchdowns. The Kentucky product added 17 receptions for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
Buffalo brought back Frank Gore Jr. on a reserve/futures contract. Veteran Darrynton Evans rounds out the group. Both Gore Jr. and Evans will most likely land on the team's practice squad this year.
In 2025...
The most intriguing offseason story centers on Cook and his contract status. Cook enters the final year of his rookie deal, and he's alluded to the type of money he feels like he deserves. At this point, it's been more of a media story than anything else, but it's still worth monitoring. Cook showed up for mandatory offseason activities throughout the summer.
On the field, expect Cook to continue his efficient play. He will play approximately half of the offensive snaps. A third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season would mean wonders for Buffalo and Cook's wallet.
The Bills will rely on Davis and Johnson when called upon. Johnson has been a reliable and responsible third-down back, and there's no reason to believe that will change. Davis, for his part, will push for an expanded role, especially if Buffalo thinks Davis could take the reins in the backfield in the years beyond this season.