Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

“Business” Doesn’t Permit James Cook To Practice at Bills Training Camp – Is Cook the Latest To Join the List of Players To ‘Hold In’?

James Cook misses first practice session of training camp on Sunday amidst lack of contract talk

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Mega stars of the NFL, such as Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Terry McLaurin, are all still waiting for their next big contract. But the latest reports to come out feature another player who is not getting the extension he feels he deserves.

NFL insider, Adam Schefter, posted on his social media handles that Buffalo Bills’ running back James Cook is now the latest player to not participate in the mandatory practice that is being held currently. As per Schefter, Cook did not partake in training camp for the first time.

Bills RB James Cook did not participate in a mandatory practice for the first time since seeking a contract extension this offseason.

More via @agetzenberg:https://t.co/W6GSKm6H96
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 3, 2025

Why Has Cook Decided Not To Practice After Nearly Two Weeks?

On Sunday, James Cook showed up to the Bills’ training camp but remained in streetwear and did not participate in any training camp activities. Cook was not placed on the injured or the PUP list, so naturally, when reporters asked him for the reason, the running back had a simple one-word answer: “business.” When pressed further about what his intentions were to resume practice on Monday, again came the same response: “business.”

In fact, it has been reported that Cook said “business” at least 8 times during his encounter with the media. The 25-year-old, former Georgia Bulldog running back will be entering his fourth and final season on his rookie deal. With an eye on the future, Cook has wanted to get an extension done this offseason, but the Bills have yet to take it seriously.

James Cook did NOT practice on Sunday.

When asked why he didn't practice, the #Bills running back told reporters @agetzenberg and @kfitz134, "business."#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus pic.twitter.com/ausVV0Vd7f
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) August 3, 2025

As per his take earlier in the offseason, the Bills’ backfield starter stressed on participating in all OTA and mandatory minicamp activities and even took the field in the first couple of weeks of training camp. A move that is considered a goodwill gesture, as well as avoiding having to pay fines of $50,000 per day if he had held out.

However, it seems that the 2-time Pro Bowler’s patience has started to run out, thus this new approach. While technically the Bills can’t fine Cook since he is present at camp, the message he is sending is clear. If Buffalo is willing to pay him, Cook will be ready to go.

James Cook’s Production Over the Years

Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, James Cook has become an integral part of the Bills’ offense, which has relied heavily on Josh Allen in the past couple of seasons.

2024 could have easily been a down year, considering many of their stars had left during the offseason, but Cook’s performances in the backfield provided the team with a reliable safety net.

"I frickin' love that guy."@JoshAllenQB is a big James Cook fan 🔥

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— NFL (@NFL) July 27, 2025

Cook has rushed for over 1,000 yards in both of his previous two seasons and also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023 and 2024, and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Moreover, he was the league leader in rushing touchdowns (16) last year.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Cook is well within his rights to demand an extension, especially with the type of production he has shown. However, the Bills could be playing the waiting game to see just how this season goes. However, Cook seems to feel that a deal will be done this season, but whether that will be in Buffalo or elsewhere remains to be seen.

Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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Devavrat Kulkarni

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I am a content writer for the NFL team, and joined The Playoffs after working with Sportskeeda and NFL Analysis as an NFL writer. After starting my professional career as a French-to-English translator, working as a content writer is a new adventure for me. I started out in the sports media field for two main reasons: my love for sports in general, especially the NFL, NBA, and Tennis, as well as my passion for writing. The best part of this job is that I get to write a variety of pieces with the freedom to explore content from various angles. It also enables me to stay up to date with the sporting world, which otherwise can be difficult to do in the day-to-day grind. In a world full of chaos, sports unite and entertain like nothing else!