ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — James Cook dressed in uniform to warm up prior to the Bills preseason opener Saturday at Highmark Stadium after Buffalo’s top running back sat out the final four practices of training camp in a contract standoff with the team.
Cook, a Pro Bowl alternate in his fourth NFL season who is seeking a contract extension and significant raise in final year of a rookie contract paying him $5.3 million in salary, took one rep with the first-team offense during on-field warmups and did not play in the exhibition game that the New York Giants won 34-25.
After reporting to training camp and being a full participant for the first two weeks, Cook has been “holding in” since Sunday when he wore street clothes to watch practice at St. John Fisher College and cited “business” reasons when reporters asked why he was not participating. Cook was less present near the practice field during the next three practices, but has been attending team meetings and walk-through sessions, coach Sean McDermott said.
Cook declined to speak with reporters after leaving the locker room postgame. McDermott said he had a conversation with Cook on Friday in which the running back agreed to participate in warmups but declined to play in the preseason opener due to his contract situation.
MVP quarterback Josh Allen also dressed for the Bills in the all-white uniform combination usually worn during road games, but did not appear in the game. Mitchell Trubisky played the first half and was 9 of 13 passing for 138 yards and a touchdown to tight end Dawson Knox. Mike White as 8 of 12 passing for 112 yards and two TDs. Shane Buechele was 9 of 1 passing for 91 yards.
Ray Davis started at running back, gaining seven yards on four carries and another seven yards on a reception. Davis also kicked an extra point in the first quarter. Ty Johnson ran three times for 26 yards. Frank Gore Jr. had 70 total yards on five carries and four catches. Darrynton Evans snagged a 7-yard touchdown pass from White, who also connected on a 39-yard scoring pass to KJ Hamler.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
