‘Cook’s refusal to participate in practice comes as he seeks a lucrative contract extension with the Bills. The fourth-year veteran is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the team and – after a season during which he racked up 1,267 scrimmage yards and led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns – is hoping to ink a long-term deal paying him $15 million in average annual value (AAV).’
BillsBeat - August 4, 2025
Bills decline comment, while RB Cook cites ‘business’ as reason he didn’t participate in practice
‘While the Bills declined comment on the player’s status in a text to The Associated Press, Cook reiterated the word “business” numerous times following practice in explaining his status to reporters from The Buffalo News and ESPN.’
Bills mounting list of injuries grows to 15 players, with additions of WRs Shakir and Palmer
‘McDermott followed the Bills day off by opening his pre-practice news conference listing 15 members of Buffalo’s 91-player roster as either being limited or not practicing.’
Seeking deal, Cook sits out Bills' practice: 'Just business'
‘The Bills said “no comment” when asked about Cook, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, not participating in Sunday’s practice. His agent did not return a request for comment. Cook was not included in coach Sean McDermott’s list of injured players not participating ahead of the session.’
Bills' Khalil Shakir 'week-to-week' with high ankle sprain
‘”[Shakir has] dealt with [a high ankle injury] before,” McDermott said. “He’s extremely tough. Big part of our offense. So, it’s going to take some time. High ankles normally do. So, it’s an opportunity for, again, somebody else to show us what they’ve got, and we will see how that goes.”‘
James Cook sits out of Bills practice, calls decision 'just business' as contract negotiations continue
‘Cook spent the practice on the field and some of it alongside the injured players on an exercise bike, but was not on coach Sean McDermott’s list of nonparticipants due to injury. The Pro Bowler didn’t attend OTAs earlier this offseason and said he would attend mandatory team events, explaining that he didn’t want to face fines. He attended minicamp and participated in the first eight practices of training camp, but clearly his approach changed.’
Bills RB James Cook Repeated One Word Eight Times To Explain Why He Refused to Practice
‘Cook arrived at Bills practice on Sunday in street clothes and was seen by reporters walking around during practice but never participated. Then Cook spoke to the media and was asked straight-up why he wasn’t practicing. His response consisted of one word: “Business.”‘
Josh Allen's Top Bills Receiver Khalil Shakir Is 'Week-to-Week' With Injury
‘The receiver suffered the injury during Friday’s practice, and after the team’s off day on Saturday, the sprain still seemed to be bothering Shakir enough for his status to change.’
James Cook contract hold-in, explained: Why Bills RB sat out of training camp practice in Buffalo
‘With training camp in full swing, running back James Cook appears to have excused himself from practicing as he seeks a resolution for his contract situation in Buffalo. Cook is currently set to enter free agency following the 2025 season and is seeking a new contract before the season begins.’
NFL insider drops bombshell on Buffalo Bills RB James Cook contract negotiations
‘This is almost certainly about the contract negotiations that have yet to lead to a long-term deal between the Bills and their star running back. Seeing that so many injuries are happening, perhaps he decided to play it safe. And while this could be classified as defiant frustration, one NFL insider believes the two sides aren’t far apart on a deal.’
Bills RB James Cook is putting his foot down, sits out practice amidst several injuries
‘Considering all of the injuries that have taken over Bills camp, including Khalil Shakir suffering a high ankle sprain, it’s hard to blame Cook for sitting out and choosing to play it safe when he doesn’t have a long-term contract in place.’
Bills get bad injury news regarding WR Khalil Shakir
‘Wide receiver Khalil Shakir was rolled up on during the team’s stadium practice. On Sunday, head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Shakir is dealing with a high ankle sprain and is ‘week-to-week.”‘
Bills' Khalil Shakir gets brutal injury update with ankle issue
‘Shakir was hurt on Thursday. He was blocking on a run play, and he was rolled up on. He limped off to the side and sat on the training table to get some work done.’
James Cook sits out Sunday's practice, citing "business" as his excuse
‘Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and scheduled to make $5.271 million in base salary. He’s made it known for several months that he wants a contract extension and wants to be paid in-line with some of the top running back deals in the NFL.’
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook appears to be "hold-in" at training camp
‘Cook spoke to The Buffalo News’ Katherine Fitzgerald and ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg. When asked why he did not suit up for practice, Cook responded, “business.”‘