Bills RB James Cook takes field as coach claims ‘things have changed’

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is participating in practice on Tuesday for the first time since he informed the team of plans to sit out as part of a “business” decision tied to his expiring contract.
Head coach Sean McDermott noted before Tuesday’s morning practice that things had changed with the Cook-Bills situation, but didn’t elaborate or provide context to his statement.
“I would say so that things have changed,” McDermott said before the team took the field. “And yes, we have had conversations with James. Good conversations, as I’ve mentioned before. The information that we’re getting is that he is moving in the direction of practicing today. We’ll see in a few minutes here, but that’s the information that we’ve got.”
General manager Brandon Beane said as the Bills began training camp that Cook’s “hold in” approach was “not something we want.”
Cook said July 24 he’d welcome a new contract “wherever it happens,” implying he’s ready to relocate if the Bills don’t meet his purported contract demands of around $15 million per season. Beane said while Cook has made it clear he loves the team and the feeling is mutual, the financial picture might not match expectations of Cook’s camp.
Cook, 25, had 16 rushing touchdowns and scored in 12 of the Bills’ 17 regular-season games in 2024.
Cook dressed but did not play in the preseason opener last week. In his absence, the Bills turned to Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Frank Gore Jr. put up 50 receiving yards on a team-best five receptions and had 21 rushing yards.
Quarterback Josh Allen, who didn’t play against the Giants last week, said he “desperately” wants Cook to return to the field but was complimentary of the fill-in running backs.
“I mean, guys going out, it’s no different than (wide receiver) Khalil (Shakir) being out with an ankle,” Allen said. “Guys are stepping up, making plays, and it was good for Ray [Davis] to get some of these reps and getting on the same page with Ty (Johnson) again, just gives them a couple more opportunities. But James is who he is and he’s one of the best running backs in the league and you’d be crazy not to say we don’t want him out there. We desperately want him out there with us and hopefully something can get done.”