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.

Bills coach Sean McDermott was able to convince running back James Cook to suit up and take a couple of handoffs in pregame warmups.

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.