James Cook Warms Up But Declines to Play Amid Contract Standoff
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, a two-time Pro Bowl talent coming off a career-best season, suited up and joined pregame warmups for the preseason opener against the New York Giants, even taking a snap with the first-team offense. However, when the game began, Cook refrained from playing—remaining in uniform but swapping his helmet for a beanie as part of an ongoing contract dispute ESPN.comAP NewsESPN.com.
Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed the situation postgame: «James and I had a good conversation yesterday. He agreed to warm up but not play due to his situation right now … I wanted him to play.» Cook has opted out of Buffalo’s last four practices, citing “business” as the reason for his absence.
Contract Context & Performance Credentials
A fourth-year back entering the final year of his rookie contract ($5.27M base salary this season), Cook is seeking a lucrative extension—reportedly in the $15 million-per-year range. He’s coming off a breakthrough 2024 season, tying a team record with 16 rushing touchdowns and boasting increased offensive usage throughout the campaign.
Why This Matters for Bettors and Fans
Fantasy & Depth Implications: With Cook inactive, backups like Ray Davis and Ty Johnson gain prominence—altering fantasy projections and betting angles tied to Bills rushing performance.
Uncertainty Ahead of Regular Season: Continuation of his hold-in heightens concerns around player availability and could shift early-season betting dynamics.
Narrative-Driven Action: The drama adds emotional weight to betting markets, where hype and sentiment may play larger roles than usual.
Takeaways for Bettors
Rushing Props & Team Totals: Without Cook, consider value in UNDER betting for Bills rushing yards or team totals.
Backup Value: Situational bets around touches or yardage from Davis and Johnson may offer unexpected upside.
Futures Caution: Cook’s hold-in amplifies risk in long-term bets on season performance—hedging or restructuring bets may be wise.
Watch Money Flow: Sharp money often reacts swiftly to contract news; delayed or extreme swings could reveal public sentiment.
Line Movement Insights
Early Sharp Movement: If lines moved immediately following news of Cook’s warmup-but-no-play stance—especially on run-heavy props or Bills’ rushing totals—that would indicate sharp (professional) action.
Late Movement: Betting shifts closer to kickoff are more likely public, emotionally driven bets, especially given Cook’s popularity and fantasy relevance.
Direction Matters: If OVERs for team rushing or total yards worsen, it likely reflects confidence in weaker production; if steady, market may still trust backups.
News Summary
Running back James Cook participated in warmups for Buffalo’s preseason opener but declined to play, citing an unresolved contract negotiation. Despite having a “good conversation” with Coach McDermott, Cook has continued a practice hold-in, raising concerns about depth and betting market implications ahead of the 2025 season.
