‘Fifteen players were on the report and 13 didn’t practice. Just about all of them project to make the 53-man roster, including nine potential starters. One name that wasn’t on the list was running back James Cook.’
BillsBeat - August 4, 2025
James Cook sits out practice for ‘business’ reasons as his Bills contract saga takes another twist
‘His current deal, signed in 2022 upon being made a second-round draft pick, is on a four-year, $5.83 million contract, with a $1.42 million signing bonus and $3.1 million fully guaranteed.’
Khalil Shakir injury update: How ankle sprain impacts Bills WR depth chart
‘Shakir was Buffalo’s top receiver during the 2024 NFL season, leading the team in targets (100), catches (76) and receiving yards (821) while tying for second on the team with four touchdown receptions. The slot-man built a strong rapport with Josh Allen and is expected to once again be a key weapon for the reigning NFL MVP.’
James Cook repeats 'business' in response to questions about sitting out of Bills practice
‘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).’
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.”‘