The Buffalo Bills running back hadn’t worn any of his gear for a week. He wants a new contract and has applied his leverage by refusing to practice. To see Cook on the field Saturday — he even took a first-team rep in 11-on-11 warmup drills — was a jolt of hope.

Well, that creates the impression that the two sides are not really much closer to a contract agreement than they were months ago. Given the fact Buffalo has a little under $1 million in cap space, getting a deal done for Cook - who has suggested he's worth $15 million APY - seems a tight squeeze.

Running back James Cook joined the Bills in pregame warmups but declined to play in the team's preseason opener against the Giants Saturday amid his contract dispute, coach Sean McDermott said.