Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - After all the talk, social media posts, speculation, and wondering, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook showed up for the first day of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
Cook, who did not attend any of the Bills' voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) this spring as he seeks a contract extension, met with reporters after practice and was asked why he decided to show up.
"I like my money," he said. "That’s why I’m here."
Related
If Cook had failed to report, he would have been fined over $17,000 for missing Tuesday’s workout. Those fines would escalate to over $35,000 for a second day missed, and over $52,000 for missing the third day. Those fines would all be cumulative.
There was also speculation that even if Cook did report, he would not participate in any on-field drills or activities, staging a "hold-in".
That didn’t happen, as the fourth-year back participated in full with his teammates.
"Why not?" Cook said when asked about participating. "I’m here. I’m part of the team. I’m a leader, so just got to practice and get the job done."
Cook is under contract with the club for the 2025 season, and scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.271 million.
Earlier this offseason, the Bills extended the contracts of teammates Greg Rousseau, Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford, the last three of which were all part of the 2022 Bills draft class with Cook.
"At this moment, I’m just going to keep working hard and take control, and keep doing what I do," Cook said.
Andreessen picks off Allen
The highlight of the day, at least from a defensive point of view, came when second-year linebacker Joe Andreessen intercepted Josh Allen in 7-on-7 work.
The Lancaster native and University at Buffalo product dropped from his middle linebacker spot and stepped in front of a crossing route. He got his hands on the ball initially, but didn’t secure it right away. Then he ultimately gained control of the ball and started running the other way.
Injury update
Several players did not participate on Tuesday. Safeties Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin, defensive end Joey Bosa, defensive back Cam Lewis, center Connor McGovern, wide receiver K.J. Hamler, and linebacker Baylon Spector all sat out due to injury.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott says he does not anticipate any of the injuries will impact those players’ availability for training camp.
Slot cornerback Taron Johnson participated while wearing a red non-contact jersey, and newly signed linebacker Shaq Thompson was present, but not suited up.
The team will be back on the field on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
