In a summer and NFL offseason filled with contract disputes, one of the biggest standoffs is between Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and the organization.
Cook surprised many when he warmed up for the team’s preseason game against the Giants today, but did not take the field. After the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott commented on Cook’s decision not to play.
Sean McDermott Responds to James Cook’s Decision to Sit Out Preseason Game
It’s been a strange summer for Cook and the Bills, as the ongoing contract dispute between the two sides has dominated Buffalo’s training camp.
Many thought there might be a breakthrough in negotiations when Cook suited up and warmed up for the preseason opener against the Giants.
James Cook – suited up, going through pregame warmups
Not sure if or how much of him we see in this game but this is a good sign given the events of the last 6 days #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Hxpz0JjKxX
— Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) August 9, 2025
However, Cook never took the field. According to The Buffalo News’ Jay Skurski, McDermott appeared disappointed in his running back’s decision.
Here is what Sean McDermott had to say about James Cook after today’s game. You can decide for yourself the mood of the #Bills’ head coach. pic.twitter.com/jrgXxoA38N
— Jay Skurski (@JaySkurski) August 9, 2025
“No, I wanted him to play,” McDermott said, according to Skruski. “I wanted him to play, but I don’t really want to go into it any further. There is really no change at this point in time from what it was going into this weekend and the game today.”
While superstar quarterback Josh Allen didn’t play today, numerous other Bills offensive starters saw playing time, including wide receiver Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Cook would make sense to be slated to play alongside those players, so McDermott’s frustration is understandable.
McDermott has previously addressed Cook’s decision to sit out practices earlier in training camp, making it clear that he wants his star running back on the field and participating.
However, despite his head coach’s wishes, Cook appears adamant about not playing for the Bills, whether in training camp practice or a preseason game, until he gets the contract extension he’s seeking.
It’s understandable why Cook is holding out, as he’s been a key piece of the Bills’ offense since they selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Happy 4th everybody just want to say I appreciate you guys for following and reading my posts even though my typos always have to be double checked. Thanks for still sticking with me I appreciate it.
Anyways happy 4th! Here’s every touchdown from number 4 James Cook! pic.twitter.com/JaoaznedSu
— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) July 4, 2025
While he only rushed for 507 yards as a rookie, he cleared 1,000 yards in both 2023 and 2024, earning Pro Bowl honors in each season. He posted a career-high 16 touchdowns last year, one of the main reasons Buffalo’s offense ranked second in the league in points per game at 30.9.
That kind of production should make the Bills eager to pay him, but the front office remains hesitant for whatever reason. This has been a lingering issue throughout the summer, and based on McDermott’s comments today, frustrations on both sides appear to be rising.
