Bills Slammed Over Strange James Cook Decision: ‘I Don’t Care Who Is at Fault Here’

The Buffalo Bills rested some of their starting offensive players in their preseason opener Saturday. But James Cook’s DNP has become a major point of contention, mainly due to how the Bills handled their fledgling star running back.

Chris Simms and Mike Florio took Sean McDermott and Bills brass for their handling of Cook opting out of the first preseason game against the New York Giants on Saturday at Highmark Stadium.

Cook is holding out for a new contract, and although he has been in attendance at Bills training camp in Rochester, New York, he has not yet practiced.

But the Bills wanted him to play against the Giants, even though he has not been taking reps on the field, and that is where the disconnect starts.

Why Did James Cook Refuse To Play Against The Giants?

Cook did not participate in Bills OTAs or mandatory minicamp and has been at Bills camp sitting out, uninjured, so he does not get fined by the Bills for holding out, since he is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

However, Sean McDermott admitted he wanted Cook to get some reps against the Giants but the fifth-year running back refused to.

“James and I had a good conversation [Friday],” McDermott said. “We talked about warming up. He agreed to warm up but not play due to his situation right now. So that’s where we’re at.

“We wanted him to play. I wanted him to play, but I don’t really want to go into it any further. There’s really no change at this point and time from what it was going into this weekend and the game today. He warmed up, but at this point due to his situation and the position he’s in, was not willing to play.”

That response set off Florio on the Monday edition of “Pro Football Talk” on NBC Sports.

“It’s time for both sides to come together and get a deal done,” Florio said. “I don’t care who is at fault here.

“When we cover these things, you hear from people from both camps and they’re blaming each other and this person’s unreasonable. Get it done. You find a way to get it done. It’s in everyone’s interest to get it done.”

Florio then further bashed McDermott for taking Cook to task for not playing when Bills quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen also did not even dress for the preseason opener.

“The deliberately held out Josh Allen from playing in the preseason. Why? Because they want to keep him healthy,” Florio said. “So you begrudge James Cook the attempt to stay healthy because he’s trying to get a new contract?

“I’d love to hear someone ask Sean McDermott, ‘if your starting quarterback’s not playing, why was it important for your starting running back to play the game?'”

What Is Next In James Cook vs The Bills?

Barring a new deal, expect the situation to remain unchanged, since McDermott suggested himself there would not be a change.

“James’ situation is James’ situation,” McDermott said Saturday. “Let’s talk about the team.”