James Cook, the Buffalo Bills running back, missed mandatory practice for the first time while seeking a contract extension. He referred to his absence as 'business' without further elaborating on the situation. The Bills declined to comment on Cook's absence, and his agent did not respond to inquiries. Cook has expressed his desire for a contract similar to top running backs but previously stated his commitment to be present for teammates and to avoid fines during practice injuries. General manager Brandon Beane acknowledged the challenges of contract negotiations.
Cook's contract situation has been an ongoing issue after the running back went public with his desire to be paid like one of the league's top backs early in the offseason.
Cook was asked if he was holding in and if he planned to practice tomorrow. To those questions, he said simply, 'Business.'
The Bills said, 'no comment,' when asked about Cook, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, not participating in Sunday's practice.
Cook, however, had maintained at the start of camp that he wanted to participate in practice as its job -- to be there for his teammates and to avoid being fined.
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