Bills’ James Cook Cleared to Play vs. Dolphins as Buffalo Aims to Extend AFC East Lead

The Buffalo Bills’ 2025 campaign has been one of their strongest in recent years, fueled by a rejuvenated offense led by quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook. Now at 6–2, Buffalo has positioned itself as a serious contender in the AFC, thanks to the explosive balance between Allen’s passing precision and Cook’s consistency on the ground. As the team prepares to face the Miami Dolphins, having both offensive cornerstones healthy could make all the difference.

Earlier in the week, there were concerns that Cook might miss Sunday’s divisional showdown after sitting out Wednesday’s practice with a foot and ankle injury. Those fears were quickly eased when NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Cook had been cleared to play. The Bills officially removed him from the injury report on Friday, confirming that he will be active for the highly anticipated matchup.

Cook’s presence brings stability to a Buffalo offense that thrives on versatility. His ability to stretch the field, catch passes, and grind out tough yards has made him indispensable in both the running and passing game. Against a Dolphins defense that ranks among the top in takeaways, his reliability will be critical.

With Cook ready to go, the Bills’ offensive outlook remains as strong as ever — and a win on Sunday could further solidify their lead in the AFC East as the season approaches its midpoint.

1. A Season of Breakout Performances

James Cook’s 2025 season has been nothing short of breakout material. Through eight games, he’s tallied 867 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries — ranking him among the league’s top rushers. His combination of speed, patience, and field vision has allowed the Bills to control tempo and keep defenses guessing. Cook’s recent performances have been particularly dominant. Since Buffalo’s bye week, he has averaged over 150 yards from scrimmage per game. In last week’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Cook carried the ball 27 times for 114 yards, showcasing both endurance and poise under pressure. Two weeks earlier, he exploded for 216 yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers, a career-defining outing that cemented his status as a key offensive weapon. This consistency has given Josh Allen more room to operate. With defenses forced to account for Cook’s rushing threat, Allen has been able to spread the ball more effectively, leading to one of the most efficient passing stretches of his career. The Allen-Cook tandem has not only stabilized the Bills’ offense but also transformed it into one of the league’s most balanced attacks. As the Bills enter the heart of their schedule, Cook’s continued dominance could be the key to maintaining their momentum and securing a top playoff seed.

2. Josh Allen Thriving With Balanced Offense

Josh Allen’s numbers this season underscore just how much Cook’s emergence has elevated the Bills’ offense. The star quarterback has thrown for 1,833 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four interceptions while completing over 70 percent of his passes — one of the highest marks of his career. On top of that, Allen remains a dual threat, adding 280 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The running game’s resurgence has taken a significant burden off Allen’s shoulders. In previous seasons, he often had to carry the offense both through the air and on the ground. Now, with Cook consistently moving the chains, Allen can focus on decision-making and precision passing rather than improvisation under pressure. This balance has made the Bills’ attack more sustainable over the long haul. Cook himself seems energized by his expanded role. Speaking with Up & Adams host Kay Adams on Thursday, he made his intentions clear: “I’m ready to go. I’m gonna be out there when it’s time to play on Sunday,” he said, signaling his confidence and determination to keep his stellar season going. Already within striking distance of surpassing his previous career high in rushing yards, Cook has the opportunity to solidify himself as one of the league’s elite running backs if he maintains his current pace.

3. Looking Ahead: Momentum and Opportunity

The Bills’ upcoming matchup against the Dolphins carries major implications for the AFC East standings. A win would not only give Buffalo a firm grip on the division lead but also send a message to the rest of the conference that their balanced offense is built to last. Miami, with its high-powered offense led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, will test Buffalo’s defense early and often. However, with Cook back in the lineup, the Bills have the tools to control possession and limit the Dolphins’ scoring opportunities. Establishing the run will be crucial in keeping Miami’s explosive attack off the field. For Cook, the game represents more than just another start — it’s a chance to showcase his durability and reaffirm his value as one of the NFL’s top all-purpose backs. His ability to perform through minor injuries will also be vital as Buffalo prepares for a grueling stretch of division matchups ahead. As the Bills look to sustain their winning rhythm, Cook’s return could serve as both a physical and emotional boost — a sign that Buffalo’s offense is ready to keep rolling deep into the season.