🚨 BREAKING NEWS: James Cook's Contract Dispute Puts His Future with the Bills in Jeopardy

On Satruday, the Buffalo Bills welcomed the New York Giants for their first preseason game. Buffalo didn’t find the win column, losing 34-25. Bills quarterback Josh Allen didn’t play a snap in the game, nor did running back James Cook.

Allen was never going to play in the game since there wasn’t a reason to start him. The 29-year-old already is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and playing him in a meaningless game wouldn’t be a good idea.

James Cook is Sitting Out

But Cook is a different story. The 25-year-old running back has had a crazy last eight days. A few weeks ago, the Bills reported to training camp, and Cook was there on day one. The two-time Pro Bowler participated in drills like everyone else, but last Sunday, things changed.

Instead of practicing, Cook decided to skip practice, and continued to do so for the rest of the week. Cook is looking for a new contract since he is in the final year of his deal. There have been a few holdouts through the NFL this offseason, and Cook is now being added to the mix.

On Saturday, Cook showed up in full uniform and warmed up with the team. However, he didn’t play a snap in the game, which is likely to happen even if he didn’t skip practice all week.

The Bills and Cook still haven’t reached a contract, which could be bad news for him. Backup running back Ty Johnson showed signs in the first preseason game that he could take Cook’s role. Johnson only had three rushes but ran for 26 yards.

Cook Named ‘Loser’ After Preseason Game No. 1

If Cook decided to keep holding in, then the Bills could move forward with Johnson as their lead back. Michael Haney from Fansided thinks Cook was one of the “losers” from the Bills’ first preseason game.

“Speaking of Cook, he might have lost the most in Buffalo’s preseason opener. He’s still in the middle of a contract dispute and decided not to play this weekend. Sean McDermott made it known after the game that he wanted Cook to play, but settled for having him participate in warm-ups.” Haney wrote. “There’s no doubt that he’s a quality running back, but as Ray Davis and Ty Johnson prove their competence, Cook is beginning to look less necessary for the team’s future.”

Cook needs to think about how much longer he wants to sit out. The team already doesn’t want to give him a long-term contract at his asking price. And with Cook not practicing, that offers more opportunities to Johnson, who could take his job.

Cook might want to come back and play on the last year of his deal and test free agency out next spring. The Bills are in a great position to win the Super Bowl, and Cook could be a key factor in whether the team reaches the Super Bowl.

Buffalo will take on the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the preseason on Sunday Night Football this week.