Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has ended his hold-in.
Cook returned to practice on Tuesday, dressed in a helmet and pads during warmups, per multiple reporters on the scene. The Bills RB participated throughout practice, including team drills, per The Associated Press, and declined to speak to reporters after the session.
His appearance came after coach Sean McDermott said before Tuesday's practice that the two-time 1,000-yard rusher was "expected to practice today."
Cook skipped voluntary offseason workouts but participated in June's mandatory minicamp. He reported to training camp last month, but on Aug. 3, he stopped practicing, citing “business” reasons. Though he dressed for the preseason opener against the Giants, he did not play.
Nine days after beginning his hold-in, Cook has returned to practice.
"I would say so that things have changed," McDermott added. "And yes, we have had conversations with James. Good conversations, as I've mentioned before. The information that we're getting is that he is moving in the direction of practicing today. We'll see in a few minutes here, but that's the information that we've got."
McDermott didn't expound on what "changed."
The Bills, under the collective bargaining agreement, could have fined Cook for refusing to practice or play in a preseason game.
It's also possible that a deal is imminent. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported last week that the sides have "not been that far apart through the course of the talks."
Regardless of the reason behind the change, Cook is at practice. With a little over three-and-a-half weeks before their regular season starts, it is a welcome sight for Bills fans.
