Amari Cooper arrived in Buffalo late Tuesday after a nearly three-hour drive from Cleveland, but he might be ready to play in the team’s game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Cooper joined the Buffalo Bills through a trade with the Cleveland Browns, coming on board shortly after their Monday Night Football victory over the New York Jets. Although he has just four days to acclimate before the next game, Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Bills expect him to be on the field this weekend.
While Cooper is anticipated to become a significant part of the Bills’ offense, it’s uncertain how much he will participate in the game against the Titans. Nick Wojton of USA Today’s Bills Wire suggested the team might have a limited role planned for him.
“Sources: #Bills WR Amari Cooper is expected to play Sunday vs the #Titans,” Schultz shared on X. “HC Sean McDermott previously stated no decision had been made, but I’m told Cooper plans to debut at home in front of Bills Mafia.”
“Cooper could start his Bills career in a restricted capacity, but just being on the field for a set number of plays will provide a dynamic that Buffalo’s offense has been missing in 2024,” Wojton noted
Cooper has had a slower start this season after posting 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns last year. In the first six games of this season, he has 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns.
CBS analyst Tiki Barber expressed confidence that Cooper will become a valuable asset for Buffalo’s offense.
“He will make an impact,” Barber told CBS Sports. “I’m not sure how significant it will be at first with Josh Allen and the different system they might implement. However, a player who creates separation like Cooper is a big-play target and a smart, experienced veteran. He will definitely make a difference; the question is how much.”
Barber emphasized Cooper’s skills as a route runner, noting, “He may not be the fastest at this point in his career, but he knows how to subtly gain separation. That’s crucial for any offense.”
Rookie receiver Keon Coleman expressed his excitement about Cooper’s arrival, likening it to adding another provider to a household.
“It’s like bringing in another person with more money to help cover expenses,” Coleman told Spectrum’s Andy Young. “It helps everyone get open and adds more threat to the offense.”
Coleman is also eager to learn from the seasoned Cooper, saying, “It’s Amari Cooper. A great receiver who has excelled in the league for a long time. I’m looking forward to learning from him and watching him work every day.”
