Ty Johnson should be back this Sunday, and he needs to be relatively big part of Bills ground game

Ty Johnson, the versatile scatback of the Buffalo Bills, is set to return to action this Sunday against the Chargers. As a do-everything player, Johnson has had a knack for being the best third-down back in the NFL, according to quarterback Josh Allen. However, Johnson's role has been limited in the past three seasons with the Bills, even though he carried the ball 50 times in 17 games in 2025, averaging just three carries per game.

Johnson also caught 24 passes, averaging 1.4 receptions per game. Despite his limited playing time, Johnson has proven to be a better overall runner with more versatility than his counterpart, Ray Davis. Johnson's role is crucial not only for the Bills' offense but also for alleviating the workload of James Cook. Cook, the Bills' feature back, has already accumulated a substantial number of carries, with 34 through the first two games this season.

Cook's on-track pace for the season is 289 carries, surpassing his 309 carries from the regular season and the 39 carries he had during the 2024 playoff run. Considering Cook's youth and low mileage, the Bills should aim to prolong his career by providing more opportunities for Johnson to step in and become a significant RB2. Johnson's impressive average of 6.8 yards per rush, which surpasses Cook's current average, further supports the argument for giving him a more substantial role.

By doing so, the Bills would not only enhance their offensive capabilities but also help keep Cook fresh for the long haul.