Bills BREAKING As James Cook Returns to Practice Amid Contract Dispute

Buffalo Bills breakout star James Cook was cooperative to start training camp, participating in practice despite making it clear that he wants a new contract.

Things took a turn a week ago when he sat out unexpectedly. The third-year running back - who is set to make $5.7 million in the final year of his rookie contract - claimed "business" was what kept him sidelined.

It's a "hold-in" strategy we've grown accustomed to seeing around the league. However, this one is coming to a surprising end without a new contract signed.

ESPN reports Tuesday that Bills head coach Sean McDermott started his press conference saying Cook will be in action this week.

"He’s expected to practice today," McDermott said.

"Things have changed and yes we have had good conversations. He is moving in the direction of practicing today.”

Cook's standoff with the organization has seemed more cordial than complicated since his request for a raise. His agent, Zac Hiller, recently spoke about the 25-year-old ball-carrier's desire to continue the his career in Buffalo.

“James Cook only wants to be a Buffalo Bill,” Hiller said last week. “This isn’t some $200M Micah Parsons-Jerry Jones negotiation. We’re hopeful there’s a resolution soon, and we’ll keep working toward that every day.”

Now with things progressing, we could expect to see a new deal in the coming days - one that might approach the top-of-market rankings, per Cook's initial asking price of $15 million APY.

That annual salary would make him the third highest-paid running back in the league.

However much his new contract costs, Cook - who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year - is an integral part of the Bills' quest for their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years. Extending him is a crucial step in making that dream possible.

Now there is a major swing of momentum in that direction.