Bills coach Sean McDermott anticipates RB James Cook will resume practicing after weeklong `hold-in’

By Canadian Press on August 12, 2025.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott anticipates James Cook will practice Tuesday in what would be the running back’s first session since beginning his contract standoff by declining to participate on Aug. 3.

McDermott based his expectation on Cook practicing on conversations he had with the fourth-year player.

“Things have changed and yes, I’ve had a conversation with James, and the information we’re getting is he is moving in the right direction,” McDermott said before practice.

Without getting into detail on the reason behind Cook’s decision, the coach said: “The most important thing is he is expected to practice and I’m confident that’s going to happen.”

McDermott said “it was too early to go there,” when asked whether Cook’s expected return to practice represented progress in contract talks.

Cook, the NFL’s co-leader with 16 touchdowns rushing last season, is conducting a “hold-in” by being with the team but refusing to practice in an escalating bid to secure a contract extension on the final year of his rookie deal.

After practicing fully during the Bills’ first eight sessions of training camp, Cook began his “hold-in” on Aug. 3 by watching practice wearing a white sweatsuit along the sideline. He then missed three more practices, the last two without being in attendance.

On Saturday, Cook suited up and took part in pre-game warmups but declined to play in the Bills’ preseason-opening 34-25 loss to the New York Giants. He watched the game in his uniform with sunglasses and a woolen hat from the sideline.

Cook shook his head no in declining to speak to reporters when leaving the locker room following the game.

Although Cook posted a note on social media in February suggesting he is seeking to make $15 million a season, there’s a dispute over whether that was his camp’s initial stance.

It’s unclear how far apart they are on what’s expected to be a three-year contract. Cook’s current asking price ranges somewhere between $11 to $12.5 million in guaranteed money.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

John Wawrow, The Associated Press