Buffalo’s Rookie Stuns Front Office by Rejecting Easier IR Deal

Buffalo, NY – August 18, 2025

In a move that has shocked the NFL, Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis has turned down an Injured Reserve (IR) contract, instead agreeing to a significant salary reduction just to remain active and compete alongside his teammates. Facing a nagging hamstring injury that threatened to sideline him, Davis’s bold decision highlights his relentless drive to prove himself and his unshakable commitment to the Bills.

"I don’t need IR to sit and watch,” Davis declared in a fiery statement. “I want to carry the ball, take the hits, and fight with my brothers on the field. If that means cutting my paycheck, so be it — what matters is showing I belong in Buffalo. I didn’t come here to sit out, I came here to run through the fire.”

His words have struck a chord with Bills Mafia, who see in Davis the grit, determination, and heart that mirror Buffalo’s blue-collar identity.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Davis was expected to be a versatile contributor in Buffalo’s backfield, complementing veteran James Cook with his balance of power and vision. He impressed early in training camp with explosive runs and pass-catching ability, earning praise as a key depth piece in Joe Brady’s offense. But a preseason hamstring injury cast doubt over his availability, making an IR placement the safer choice. Instead, Davis chose the harder road — sacrificing financial security for the chance to keep fighting on the active roster.

The decision carries real risk. An IR deal would have guaranteed Davis time to heal and a secure paycheck. But Davis knows every snap counts in the NFL, and missing valuable reps could jeopardize his long-term role. His teammates have rallied behind him, with quarterback Josh Allen calling him “a warrior who refuses to back down.”

For the Bills, Davis’s gamble is more than just a roster move — it’s a statement of heart. And for a city that thrives on toughness and resilience, his decision only deepens the bond between rookie and fan base.