Sean McDermott wastes no time letting the world know what really went down with James Cook during pregame warmups
Things are heating up at One Bills Drive.
The Buffalo Bills had plenty to celebrate despite their loss to the New York Giants in Week 1 of the NFL preseason. From Tyrell Shavers proving why he should be on the roster to a funny pregame moment with Joey Bosa, it was a positive day for the Bills Mafia.
What’s more, the fanbase even got a look at James Cook in a Bills uniform, something that the team hasn’t seen of late with Cook demanding a new contract and holding out. Before the game began, Cook trotted out and took part in some 11-on-11 drills, which had the fanbase excited at the opportunity to maybe see Cook in action.
McDermott’s comments after the game shut down any notion of positivity, though. Speaking to the media, McDermott offered, “But at this point, due to his situation and the position he’s in, he’s not willing to play.”
Unfortunately, he didn’t play a single snap. Buffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott opened up to the media following the game and wasted no time providing an update on the Cook situation and what went down before kickoff.
McDermott, sensing this would be a big topic, ended his opening statement with an answer to a question no one had asked. “Update on James, that’s probably a question you guys have. James (Cook) and I had a good conversation yesterday. We talked about warming up, and he agreed to warm up but not play due to his situation right now. So, that’s where we’re at. No changes.”
When pushed further, McDermott shut it down, “No, we wanted him to play. I wanted him to play. I don’t really want to go into it any further.” On the current situation, McDermott offered, “There’s really no change at this point in time from what it was going into this weekend and the game today. He warmed up like I said.”
That’s when McDermott’s comments came about Cook not being willing to play, once again throwing the fans into the mess that is the James Cook contract drama.
Whether that’s not willing to play in the preseason or at all until a new deal is done is still unclear, and McDermott wasn’t going to budge. Cook has been front and center surrounding his need for a new contract with teammates like Josh Allen and even General Manager Brandon Beane expressing their desire to simply have him back on the football field.
The Buffalo Bills keep things tight-lipped at One Bills Drive, so all that’s left to do is wait to see what transpires in the apparent stand-off. Cook gave a little by agreeing to warm up in uniform, but it’s a far cry from seeing him on the field in any real, meaningful action.
Here’s hoping that the two can come to some kind of agreement, and fast.
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