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.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is still awaiting his new contract, and as such, is a hold in at training camp until otherwise stated. That means Cook isn't on the field with his teammates and isn't getting crucial reps to prepare him for the regular season.