Bills Reveal How Nyheim Hines Trade Will Impact James Cook

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

The Buffalo Bills were active exploring the running back market at the trade deadline. They ultimately acquired veteran Nyheim Hines, which prompted some questions about rookie James Cook's role given he has a similar profile as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Bills GM Brandon Beane discussed how the move affects Cook on Wednesday.

Beane is confident Hines' arrival won't impact Cook "at all." In fact, the GM mentioned both players could end up on the field at the same time at some point.

Beane's comments display confidence in Cook not being erased by Hines. Bringing in the veteran certainly adds another mouth to feed in this offense, though Buffalo seems determined to deploy its full stable of RBs.

Cook has operated as the clear RB2 behind starter Devin Singletary, ranking second on the team with 24 rushing attempts, which he's turned into 132 yards and 1 TD. He's lived up to his dual-threat status and made big plays as a receiver, including a 41-yard catch this past Sunday.

Hines now joins the fray after splitting work with Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis. He's recorded just 36 rushing yards in 2022, but he's added 188 yards on 25 receptions.

It remains to be seen how Cook and Hines coexist behind Singletary. Bills fans will get their first look at this reshaped backfield in Week 9 against the New York Jets. FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds project Buffalo as a 12.5-point favorite ahead of that contest.

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