Ray Davis Optimistic Despite Limited Role Ahead of Falcons Matchup

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis is keeping a positive attitude as his team prepares for a key matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the Bills’ impressive 4-1 record this season, Davis acknowledges that there have been ups and downs in his performance.

“Season’s been going good,” Davis told The Buffalo News on Thursday. “A lot of ups and downs, but I’m having fun, I’m embracing it. It’s been a pretty good season so far.”

Davis’s opportunities this season have been limited. In five games, he has carried the ball just 13 times for 30 yards and has made only one catch for a loss of a yard. His average playing time has dropped to just five snaps per game over the last three contests.

During the Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots, offensive coordinator Joe Brady expressed regret about not being able to involve Davis more. “There’s a lot of guys that I’d like to get more reps,” Brady said. “But I also don’t want to force it and make it a situation where it has to be a set number of plays. I still believe we’re better when all those guys are playing.”

Davis’s limited involvement can be attributed in part to the standout performance of fellow running back James Cook, who has racked up 450 rushing yards this season with five touchdowns.

Even with fewer opportunities, Davis remains focused. After showing promise in his rookie season, he is determined to seize any chance he gets. “When I get it, I try to make the most of it,” he said. “Some games it’s there, some games it’s not. But whenever my opportunity comes, just gotta be ready.”

Davis’s breakout game last season occurred during Week 6 against the New York Jets, when he filled in for Cook and rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries. “Last year it was kind of like that,” Davis reflected. “First couple of games, nobody really knew about me, and then I got my opportunity.”

As the Bills gear up for their game against the Falcons, Davis hopes for a chance to contribute again. “Every game is a new opportunity, no matter how much I’ve played in the past,” he said.

With an extra day to prepare, Davis and the Bills aim to make the most of their upcoming game.