James Cook warms up but opts not to play for Bills amid contract drama - ESPN

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills running back James Cook took the field for pregame warmups, wearing his full uniform, as he normally would ahead of the team's first preseason game of the year against the New York Giants on Saturday.

He took part in the drills, even taking a snap with the first-team offense during 11-on-11 drills during the warmups. But when it came time for the game to start, Cook came out with his teammates still with some of his uniform on but with a beanie on his head instead of a helmet. He did not take a snap in the game despite coach Sean McDermott saying that he wanted him to. Cook seeks a contract extension and has not participated in the last four practices over the last six days.

McDermott said after the game that he spoke with Cook, 25, on Friday and that they had «a good conversation.» During the discussion, Cook agreed to warm up with the team on Saturday but not play due to the contract situation.

«We wanted him to play. I wanted him to play, but I don't really want to go into it any further,» McDermott said. «There is really no change at this point in time from what it was going into this weekend and the game today, so he warmed up, like I said, but at this point, due to the situation and position he's in, he was not willing to play, so that's where we're at. Again, it was a good conversation, but really no change overall.»

Cook declined an interview when asked by ESPN after the game.

«I don't know what else he can do to show he only wants to play for the Bills. Hopefully we can figure this out and refocus all energy on bringing a Super Bowl to Buffalo,» Cook's agent Zac Hiller texted when reached for comment.

When asked if McDermott expects Cook to practice this coming week, McDermott