After an impressive preseason that endeared him to fans, running back Frank Gore Jr. is set to make his debut for the Buffalo Bills.
On October 14, the Bills announced that Gore was promoted from the practice squad for the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets.
The son of former Bills running back Frank Gore, Gore Jr. joined the team as an undrafted free agent this offseason, securing a spot on the practice squad after standout performances in training camp and preseason games.
Gore could play a crucial role for the Bills, who are dealing with a key injury in their backfield heading into the game.
Bills Without Top Running Back
The Bills will be missing their top running back for Monday’s game, as James Cook is out due to an injury he sustained in Week 5 against the Houston Texans. NFL Network’s Bobby Kownack reported that Cook was listed as inactive for the game due to a toe injury.
“Cook appeared to suffer the injury during a failed catch in the fourth quarter of the 23-20 Week 5 loss to the Texans, after which he missed two practices this week,” Kownack reported. “He participated in a limited capacity on Saturday and was designated as questionable, giving some hope he could play, but he will instead sit out the Week 6 finale.”
Cook has been the Bills’ top option in the backfield, rushing for 309 yards on 70 carries with four touchdowns, equaling his total touchdowns from his first two NFL seasons.
The game could have major implications for the AFC East. The 3-2 Bills face the 2-3 Jets, who could pull even in the standings with a win. The Bills, meanwhile, are looking to recover after back-to-back losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Texans.
Frank Gore Jr.’s Preseason Rise
Gore made a strong impression during the preseason, rushing for 101 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown in the team’s preseason finale, a 31-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers on August 24. During his four-year career at Southern Mississippi, Gore amassed 4,022 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, along with 682 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
The 22-year-old was no stranger to Buffalo, having attended games when his father played for the team in the 2019 season.
“It was great,” Gore Jr. told CBS Sports. “I came to like three games. It was cold when they played the Jets at the end of the season. This is one of the most enthusiastic places I’ve ever been.”
Gore Jr. also shared that his father strongly encouraged him to sign with the Bills after going undrafted.
“Knowing that my dad wanted me here, I wanted to be here,” Gore Jr. said. “When I met with Coach Skip [Kelly Skipper] during the process, I just felt he was the kind of coach I needed to improve and become the best player I could be.”
