Despite a decorated history as an All-Pro playmaker, the Bills' explosive running back has vanished from the rotation. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady now vows to reintegrate the star.
Ray Davis has barely been part of the Buffalo Bills' offense through the first three games of the 2026 season, and Joe Brady knows that needs to change.
Davis has just one rushing attempt for three yards this season and has not recorded a reception. He played only a handful of offensive snaps through the first three weeks before seeing limited action again in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
That lack of involvement stands out considering what Davis has already shown during his first two seasons in Buffalo.
As a rookie in 2024, Davis rushed for 442 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries while adding 189 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on 17 catches. In total, he had 631 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns in 17 games.
His role decreased significantly in 2025, when Davis finished with 275 rushing yards on 58 carries and 86 receiving yards on 10 catches. He still averaged 4.7 yards per carry, and his 361 yards from scrimmage came on just 68 offensive touches.
Davis did become one of Buffalo's most valuable special teams players last season, earning All-Pro honors as a kick returner after averaging 30.4 yards per return and scoring a 97-yard touchdown.
Now, with the Bills three games into the season, Brady believes there is more the offense can get from Davis.
“The running back that's right now, I got to get Ray playing more,” Brady said unprompted on Monday. “He's too good of a player.”
The return of Ty Johnson against the Chargers added another variable to Buffalo's backfield. Johnson made several important plays during the game, including a fourth-down conversion, while James Cook continues to operate as the team's primary running back.
Brady understands that finding playing time for everyone is going to require some balancing, particularly with the Bills wanting to keep their backs fresh throughout the season.
“Ray's worked his ass off and deserves that,” Brady said. “So, you know, those would be some things that we got to naturally be able to get some more, you know, to be able to last all 20 games.”
For Davis, that could mean an opportunity to reestablish himself as a meaningful part of Buffalo's offense.
The Bills already know what Cook can do as their lead back. What they haven't seen much of this season is what Davis can provide when he's actually given the football.
Brady appears ready to find out. Whether it comes this weekend with an underperforming New England Patriots team coming to town remains to be seen.
