Overview

• Cook warmed up in full uniform for the preseason opener at Highmark Stadium but declined to take the field in protest of stalled extension negotiations.
• Coach Sean McDermott said he and Cook had a “good conversation” on Friday yet noted there was no change in the running back’s decision not to play.
• Josh Allen reiterated his vocal support, calling Cook one of the league’s best running backs and stressing how much the team needs him.
• General manager Brandon Beane expressed frustration over the hold-in, while backups Ray Davis and Ty Johnson filled first-team snaps during Cook’s absence.
• With Cook seeking a deal in the $11–15 million per year range and the Bills facing tight cap space and franchise-tag considerations, both sides face a critical deadline before the regular season opener.