ORCHARD PARK – Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott would not get into the specifics, but he did say Tuesday morning that he expected running back James Cook to practice for the first time in more than a week.
And sure enough, Cook was on the field when the Bills began their session on the fields behind the practice facility at One Bills Drive.
McDermott “expected” Cook to practice every day of the fourth-year player’s hold in, but that of course did not happen, and Cook also skipped the Bills’ preseason opener Saturday. He agreed to put on the uniform and go through the warmup, but he made it clear he was not playing as he continued his protest regarding his lack of a contract extension.
But McDermott indicated that discussions over the weekend between the team and Cook’s representation have pushed things in the direction of Cook getting back on the field. Whether that means a resolution to the contract situation is imminent is unknown.
“I would say so that things have changed,” McDermott said. “We’ve had conversations with James, good conversations, as I’ve mentioned before. And the information that we’re getting is that he is moving in the direction of practicing today. So, we’ll see in a few minutes here, but that’s the information we’ve got.”
Asked whether Cook told him that directly, McDermott said, “I don’t think it’s necessary to get into the weeds on it. The most important thing is that he’s expected to practice, and I’m rather confident that that’s going to happen.”
Cook participated in the bulk of the practice including reps with the full team in 11-on-11, but when the session was done, he walked right past reporters without saying a word.
Josh Allen said he understands Cook’s situation, but it was still good to get him back.
“As players, we have to separate sometimes the business and the sport,” he said. “I know both sides thought that what they’re doing is the right thing. Obviously, we’re very happy to have Jimbo out there today, and I trust in (Brandon) Beane and what he’s going to get done.
“Just to have him out there and getting those reps and making sure that he’s getting ready to go for game one, we had no doubts that he wouldn’t be ready, but to be out there with the guys and sweating and battling in practice, I think it’s good for the team.”
Sal Maiorana has covered the Buffalo Bills for four decades including 35 years as the full-time beat writer for the D&C, he has written numerous books about the history of the team, and he is also co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube show. He can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you can follow him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: James Cook returns to practice after sitting out in contract dispute: What we know
Reporting by Sal Maiorana, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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