The Buffalo Bills made an unexpected change in their lineup ahead of their Week 6 showdown against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. James Cook, the team’s starting running back, was sidelined due to a lingering toe injury, marking his first missed game in his three-year NFL career.
With Cook out, Bills head coach Sean McDermott turned to rookie running back Ray Davis—and Davis delivered in a big way. He made an immediate impact, racking up over 100 yards from scrimmage in the first half alone.
But who is Ray Davis, the rookie stepping up in Cook’s absence? Here’s everything you need to know about him:
Who is Ray Davis?
Ray Davis is a 24-year-old running back for the Buffalo Bills. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 220 pounds, Davis was selected by the Bills as the 128th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His physicality and playmaking ability earned him the opportunity to step in when the team needed him most.
A Journey Across Three Colleges
Davis’s path to the NFL is as versatile as his playing style. He attended Temple University from 2019 to 2020, before transferring to Vanderbilt University for the 2021-2022 seasons, and finishing his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2023. His journey across three different schools reflects both his adaptability and growth as a player, giving him the skills to thrive at the professional level.
Ray Davis’s NFL Stats
Before making his first NFL start in Week 6, Davis had logged 75 rushing yards on 26 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry, and scored one touchdown. He also caught four passes out of five targets for 18 receiving yards. His breakout performance on Monday Night Football will likely add significantly to these early stats.
A Promising Future
Ray Davis’s strong showing against the Jets could indicate that he’s more than just a backup for the Bills. With Cook sidelined, Davis has the chance to prove himself as a reliable asset in Buffalo’s backfield.
As the Bills continue their season, all eyes will be on this emerging talent, who is seizing the opportunity to make his mark on the league. Keep an eye out for Ray Davis—he might just be the breakout star Buffalo didn’t know they needed.
