Buffalo Bills running back James Cook missed a second consecutive day of training camp practice on Monday as he seeks a new contract ahead of the final year of his rookie deal.
Cook was present at the team’s facility but did not practice. He appeared briefly on the sidelines in workout attire before returning to the locker room for the remainder of the session. On Sunday, he was also on the field but did not participate, later telling reporters his absence from drills was due to “business.” The fourth-year running back had taken part in all previous training camp practices and mandatory minicamp but skipped the team’s voluntary offseason activities.
General Manager Brandon Beane said the team received little advance notice of Cook’s decision not to practice on Sunday. In a Monday radio appearance on WGR550, Beane expressed his disappointment, noting it was the first time in his nine seasons with the team that a player has missed practice over a contract dispute.
“I wish we weren’t here,” Beane said. “It’s not something we want… but at the end of the day, it’s kind of the way of the world and so we’ll deal with it the best we can.”
Beane confirmed that the Bills and Cook’s representatives have been in “constant communication” but have yet to reach an agreement on an extension despite discussions that began in the spring. The stalemate comes after the Bills successfully extended three other members of their 2022 draft class this offseason: cornerback Christian Benford, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and wide receiver Khalil Shakir.
“We tried to get something done with [Cook] and, unfortunately, it takes two and both sides have to agree on what that number is,” Beane said. “I’m not sitting here saying you don’t pay running backs. I think you just have to find what the sweet spot is.”
Fellow running backs Ty Johnson and Ray Davis said they learned Cook would not be practicing just as Sunday’s session began.
“I respect what he’s doing,” Johnson said. “He’s trying to do what’s best for him. We’re not in this league for a long time, so he’s trying to get his and I respect that.”
The Bills have an off day Tuesday and are scheduled to resume practice at St. John Fisher University on Wednesday.
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