The Buffalo Bills are still coming down from their phenomenal 41-40 comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens in the first “Sunday Night Football” game of the season. The Bills trailed by 15 points with four minutes left in the fourth quarter, but 16 unanswered points gave them the victory.
One potential mood dampener, however, is James Cook’s sudden appearance on the team’s midweek injury report. How badly is the running back injured, and will he be available for Week 2?
Will James Cook Play in Week 2?
The Bills face the New York Jets this weekend in their first divisional game of the season. The Jets narrowly lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, 34-32, as former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to haunt them with four touchdown passes.
Although the Bills enter as heavy favorites, they’d rather not take on New York without their starting running back. Cook logged 44 rushing yards and a touchdown against Baltimore, while also adding five receptions for 58 yards.
However, the star running back appeared on the team’s Wednesday injury report and was categorized as a limited participant due to a hamstring issue. Players are often listed as limited in practice, which usually warrants little concern, but a hamstring injury can be devastating to a season.
James Cook (1)
Buffalo Bills
2 yards pic.twitter.com/TBuyjROnko— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) September 8, 2025
The Bills are again aiming to win a Super Bowl this year, and losing a player who scored 18 total touchdowns last season would be a huge blow. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to worry about it as Cook is expected to play against the Jets.
Speaking to ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin, Cook said this about his chances of being limited in Week 2: “Nah, I’m good. I’m ready to go.”
Dawson Knox, Gregory Rousseau Also Appear on Injury Report
Cook wasn’t the lone new name on the Bills’ injury report. Tight end Dawson Knox and defensive end Gregory Rousseau were both limited as well, dealing with hip and knee injuries, respectively.
Rousseau started 16 regular-season games for Buffalo last season, recording eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. He’ll be key against the Jets, after dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields posted the highest grade in PFSN’s QBi metric in Week 1.
Knox has long been a dependable option for Josh Allen, even if his role has diminished. While Dalton Kincaid has taken over as the Bills’ primary tight end since being drafted in 2023, Knox still serves as a valuable contributor in the offense.
With Cook set to play, Bills fans will hope the other two can suit up, as Buffalo aims to secure its first divisional victory against New York.
