Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Heading into mandatory minicamp this week at One Bills Drive, perhaps the biggest question surrounding the Buffalo Bills was whether or not running back James Cook was set to be in attendance, as he pushes for a new contract.
According to Bills head coach Sean McDermott, the fourth-year running back is in Western New York this week, and will practice with his teammates over the three-day period.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter first reported Cook's expected presence at mandatory minicamp this week.
McDermott gives Cook credit for him being in Orchard Park this week for mandatory minicamp, despite looking to secure a new deal with the Bills.
"I credit James. Business is business," McDermott said during his meeting with the media on Tuesday. "I know he loves being around this team and the guys in the locker room, and he loves to play football. I respect his decision to be here and be amongst the team, and get some work in today. We're looking forward to that"
Cook has been seeking a new contract with the Bills this offseason as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. The 25-year-old was drafted in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia.
This past season saw Cook finish tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns among all running backs with 16, while rushing for 1,009 yards on 207 carries. He also added 258 yards receiving on 32 receptions and two touchdowns, helping him earn a second-straight Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
Through his thee seasons in Buffalo, Cook has tallied 2,638 rushing yards, averaging 53.8 yards per-game and 20 touchdowns. He's also caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven touchdowns.
Prior to mandatory minicamp this week, Cook had been absent for the team's six previous workouts this spring, though all of those sessions were voluntary.
This is the last set of spring workouts before the team reports for training camp starting in Late July at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford. McDermott says the team will approach Cook's situation one day at a time with his availability this training camp.
"Everyone has their own situation, they're all different. We need everybody to win, we need everybody to practice. We expect James to be there and be there on time, but also understand his situation," he said.
Meanwhile, among the players present, but not practicing to start mandatory minicamp includes wide receiver K.J. Hamler, cornerbacks Cam Lewis and Taron Johnson, safeties Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin, and pass rusher Joey Bosa.
Also from Tuesday, McDermott says newest signee Shaq Thompson will be on-hand for mandatory minicamp this week, but will not practice following offseason surgery.
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