James Cook practices with Bills after hold-in over contract negotiations
Cook will become a free agent at the end of the season and has been open about his desires for a new contract. Negotiations appeared to be on the right track when Cook participated in the Bills' first eight practices. That changed on Aug. 3, when he did not participate, declaring it 'business,' while the team issued a 'no comment' on the running back's practice availability.
At Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants, Cook appeared in full pads and his uniform, but refused to play. He missed four consecutive training camp practices before that.
Cook's first few minutes of his first practice back pic.twitter.com/VPU2zu9fGM
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 12, 2025
Cook scored 16 rushing touchdowns last season, tying for first in the NFL, while he recorded his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. The Bills drafted him in the second round out of Georgia in 2022, and he has two Pro Bowl appearances.
Three of Cook's draft classmates — linebacker Terrel Bernard, receiver Khalil Shakir, cornerback Christian Benford — and edge rusher Gregory Rousseau received contract extensions this offseason.
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'James and I had a good conversation yesterday,' Bills coach Sean McDermott said Saturday as part of his opening statement. 'We talked about warming up. He agreed to warm up but not play due to his situation right now. That's where we're at. So no change, really, overall.'
This story will be updated.
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