Amari Cooper ‘Ready for an Increased Role’ in Bills Offense vs. Seahawks in Week 8

Zach BacharContributor IOctober 24, 2024

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Amari Cooper is ready to ramp up his involvement in the Buffalo Bills’ offense ahead of his second game with the team.

“I mean, I think that’s why they traded for me, definitely ready for an increased role, definitely ready for more opportunities,” Cooper said on Thursday, per ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg. “I’m ready to pounce on it.”

The five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was on the field for just 19 snaps during Buffalo’s 34-10 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. Cooper caught four of his five targets for 66 yards, which included a 12-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

NFL @NFLAMARI COOPER. TOUCHDOWN BILLS.

📺: #TENvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/y1lE7R509g

The Bills were cautious with Cooper’s playing time, as he was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns just five days before the matchup with Tennessee.

The 30-year-old confirmed that he’s spending extra time before and after practice to get Buffalo’s game plan down and learn offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s playbook, per Getzenberg.

“Just hearing it more, seeing the plays more,” Cooper said. “That’s pretty much it, doing that, obviously communicating with Josh [Allen], everybody else.”

While the Bills opened the 2024 season with a 4-2 record prior to the trade, the need for a true No. 1 wide receiver became apparent. Stefon Diggs, who led the team in targets during each of the past four years, was dealt to the Houston Texans in April.

Cooper was averaging a career-low 41.7 yards per game in his first six appearances with Cleveland this season, but he racked up 1,250 yards during his 2023 campaign and should thrive alongside Josh Allen in the Bills’ No. 5 scoring offense.

NFL @NFLRunning out of things to say about this Amari Cooper performance.

8 catches, 220 yards, 2 TDs.

📺: #CLEvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/ORrHeSrtfF

He’s expected to receive an expanded role in Buffalo’s next contest, a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET.