ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — As the Buffalo Bills kicked off their voluntary organized team activities, nearly the entire roster was present and accounted for—except for running back James Cook. He was notably absent among the participants, alongside pass rusher Joey Bosa, who is also dealing with an injury.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott provided updates on both players before the on-field drills commenced, noting that Bosa “pulled a calf” and is unlikely to participate in any more spring activities. However, the coach shared that he should be ready come training camp. This injury cropped up during practice late last Thursday, further stressing an important point about player health and availability.
Cook, now entering the final year of his rookie contract, is looking for a new deal, especially after several of his 2022 draft class peers secured contract extensions this offseason. Linebacker Terrel Bernard, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, and cornerback Christian Benford have all signed new contracts, putting the spotlight on Cook’s situation.
“Yeah, we’re staying in touch, like you’d expect a player and a coach to do,” McDermott said, affirming that Cook would join the team when he is ready. The Bills will conduct a mandatory minicamp from June 10-12, which could serve as a critical juncture for Cook’s contract discussions.
Coming off a standout season where he tied a franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns, Cook’s desire for a new contract has become public. He even took to social media, expressing his hopes for a deal worth “15 mill [per] year.”
Bills general manager Brandon Beane remains confident that Cook will be ready for the season. “We feel like we don’t have anything to do with it and whatever is going on upstairs, it will handle itself,” said left tackle Dion Dawkins. “I do know that with the culture that goes on here, we take care of ours. Some processes are longer than others, and I’m not a GM. So, I wish that I had the answer, but I don’t, but I do know that Cook is a good kid, and he plays hard. And we know how Beane is, and we don’t know how Beane is, but he has a job, and he’ll figure it out. And hopefully we’ll be seeing our boy Cook soon.”
On the other hand, Bosa, who signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason, has a history of injury concerns that preceded his time with the Bills. At nearly 30 years old, Bosa has seen his availability compromised, having played just 28 of 51 games in the last three seasons.
“Listen, it is concerning,” McDermott conceded regarding Bosa’s injury issues. “Durability and availability are key ties to our roster. So, we look ahead in terms of what he’s doing now, which is getting the treatment that he needs and working hard at it. That’s all he can control right now. We’ll get him back when we get him back, probably for training camp, and we’ll do the best job we can.”
Yet, amidst the injury updates and contract discussions, the team buzzed with excitement, especially with reigning league MVP quarterback Josh Allen fully engaged in the activities. Allen’s attendance looms large, especially as he approaches his wedding to actress and musician Hailee Steinfeld.
“I think it says everything [that Allen’s in attendance], right?” McDermott pointed out. “He is the face of our organization. He’s the leader of our team. When he’s here, like anything else as a leader, it speaks and holds tremendous weight. His words and actions are exponentially impactful on the whole roster and the entire team.”
The Bills are navigating through crucial offseason moments, working on building both team chemistry and ensuring that key players are prepared for the challenges ahead as they move closer to the summer and the start of another promising season.
