The Buffalo Bills running back depth took a hit before training camp even got underway. Nyheim Hines, who was acquired from the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the trade deadline last season, was involved in a jet ski accident that resulted in a season-ending knee injury.
Hines was expected to have a sizable role in the Bills’ offense, at the very least on passing downs. He is an elite pass protector and excellent pass catcher, while also providing value as a return man on kickoffs and punts.
Without Hines in the mix, the third down role will likely fall upon second-year running back, James Cook. Veterans Damien Harris and Latavius Murray will handle early down work, replacing Devin Singletary, who departed in free agency, signing with the Houston Texans.
In need of some more depth, Ben King of Sports Illustrated suggested that the Bills make a move for a veteran offensive weapon. He believes that Cordarrelle Patterson of the Atlanta Falcons would be the perfect addition to Buffalo.
“Buffalo’s front office could continue to look for answers via free agency, but it could also solve the problem with a trade. Could Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson be the solution?…
Adding a “Swiss army knife” like Patterson to Buffalo’s offense would be a welcome addition for a team in win-now mode, and Atlanta would still have great depth at the running back position after trading away the veteran.”
Patterson has been mentioned as a potential cap casualty for the Falcons all offseason. After using the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on running back Bijan Robinson, Patterson’s standing on the roster has been shaky.
While he provides value in a number of facets, as he can also line up as a wide receiver and is a premier special teams player, Patterson could lose in the number game. Tyler Allgeier had an excellent rookie season and Caleb Huntley remains on the roster as well.
Those two, along with Robinson, are more than enough running back depth, making Patterson expendable. While he isn’t the flashiest addition, he is someone that could really help the Bills, who need more consistent weapons around Josh Allen outside of Stefon Diggs.
