The first two weeks of the Buffalo Bills‘ training camp have had some twists and turns. First off, they are the team featured on HBO Hard Knocks this summer, so the cameras have been following them around. The team has also been hit with the injury bug, and running back James Cook is holding in.
Bills RB James Cook is Holding In
Cook is entering the final year of his contract and has been trying to reach a new deal all offseason. When training camp started, Cook showed up and practiced like everyone else. But things changed last Sunday when he didn’t practice.
The 25-year-old running back wasn’t injured. He was walking around in street clothes doing it again on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Things took a turn for the worst on Thursday when head coach Sean McDermott told the media Cook would return to practice that afternoon.
However, Cook never showed up to practice, and Friday was an off day since the team was getting ready for their first preseason game on Saturday.
While a majority of the Bills’ starters won’t be playing on Saturday or see limited action, nobody knew if Cook was even going to show up. The former Georgia star is holding in, which is different from a holdout.
A holdout is when a player doesn’t show up to the facility at all. A hold-in is when a player is at practice but not participating. The good news is Cook has been around the team the last two weeks. He should be ready to go in Week 1, no matter what happens with his contract.
Cook Was Uniform on Saturday
Before the Bills’ first preseason game on Saturday, all the players who were not injured were in uniform. Even quarterback Josh Allen was dressed, even though he won’t see any action. Another player who was in uniform was Cook.
#Bills RB James Cook is in uniform for warmups for todayâs game against the #Giants. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/0nO0CoQ393
â Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) August 9, 2025
Bills RB James Cook is in full uniform for warmups. He sat out of the last four practices at training camp as part of a hold-in.
This does not mean Cook plays, but, an intriguing sub-plot all the same.
â Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) August 9, 2025
The two-time Pro Bowler was in his helmet, shoulder pads, pants, wearing his No. 4 jersey, looking like he was ready to play. Cook showing up in full uniform is an excellent sign for the team moving forward. There is no way Cook is going to hold in the regular season, and maybe with him dressing on Saturday, there is something in the air with him getting a new contract.
Buffalo knows it needs Cook to reach the Super Bowl this season. Even if he doesn’t reach a new contract, he can play out the year and then get a long-term contract elsewhere.
The Bills will open their regular season against the Baltimore Ravens in four weeks. There is an excellent chance Cook will be ready to go by then.
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