Bills Bench Running Back Ray Davis Early in Season
The Buffalo Bills have limited Ray Davis to just 15 offensive snaps during the first two weeks of play.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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The Buffalo Bills have utilized Ray Davis sparingly during the first two weeks of the 2026 season, giving the running back only 15 offensive snaps and one carry. James Cook has instead dominated the backfield duties for the team, playing 74 percent of offensive snaps as the Bills started the year with a 2-0 record.
Why it matters
The team's decision to limit Davis follows the promotion of Frank Gore Jr. and the addition of Greg Dortch to handle kick returns. These roster adjustments indicate a shift in the backfield hierarchy that has left Davis struggling for playing time despite the team's strong offensive output.
James Cook has secured 74 percent of the team's offensive snaps, while Ray Davis has recorded only one carry for three yards across two games. The Bills have opened the season with a 2-0 record, scoring 36 and 41 points respectively.
The players
Ray Davis
He is a running back currently facing reduced playing time in the Buffalo Bills rotation.
James Cook
He is the primary running back for the Buffalo Bills who has taken 74 percent of offensive snaps.
Greg Dortch
He is a return specialist signed by the Buffalo Bills to handle kick return duties.
Frank Gore Jr.
He is a running back who was recently promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.
Ty Johnson
He is a running back expected to move up the depth chart upon his return to the lineup.
The details
The coaching staff has opted to prioritize James Cook, while also promoting Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad to increase competition in the backfield. Greg Dortch has further displaced Davis by taking on kick return duties, leaving Davis with limited opportunities to make an impact.
Timeline
The Buffalo Bills limited Ray Davis to minimal playing time during the first two weeks of the 2026 season.
Ty Johnson is scheduled to return to the Buffalo lineup on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster shift suggests the Bills are aggressively refining their backfield rotation to maximize production alongside James Cook. The move potentially displaces Ray Davis permanently as the team looks to integrate veteran depth like Ty Johnson back into the active rotation.
Ray Davis remains a deep bench option for fantasy rosters until he earns a higher percentage of the team's offensive snaps. With James Cook handling 74 percent of the workload, Davis currently lacks the volume necessary to provide reliable weekly production.
The takeaway
Roster fluidity is a hallmark of the early NFL season as coaching staffs rotate personnel to identify the most effective combinations. Fantasy managers and fans should watch depth charts closely during the first month of play to identify emerging trends in player usage.
What happens next
Ty Johnson is scheduled to return to the Buffalo Bills lineup on Sunday, September 27, 2026, which is expected to further alter the team's running back depth chart.
Further reading
For more on roster updates, follow the latest news in Buffalo Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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