How Will Things With James Cook Ultimately Play Out?

How Will Things With James Cook Ultimately Play Out?

Author: Blue Wire August 12, 2025 Duration: 51:10

On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by blogger and podcaster Chris Ostrander to discuss a handful of Buffalo Bills and Sabres topics, including a dive into what's going on with Bills running back and how they expect it to ultimately play out.

After an encouraging first week of Bills training camp where Cook not only reported but was a full participant for practices----and Patrick saying he looked electric at St. John Fisher, things suddenly took a turn when Cook abruptly stopped practicing. Reports from national insiders gave indication that contract negotiations between Cook and the team may not be that far off and that was encouraging, but despite that and a bar potentially being set with Kyren Williams last week, Cook is still electing to not practice or play. What wasn't worrisome at all may start becoming that, as it's become apparent there's at least somewhat a disconnect between Cook and Sean McDermott.

The guys have opinions on Cook "holding in" and why he decided to do it this way as well as where they think things stand and more importantly, where they may ultimately be heading. Will the two come to an agreement before the season? Will Cook continue to either not play or be less than 100% fully committed to buying in when the season starts without a deal? Hell, could trading Cook now realistically be on the table?

Also, it's been a while since Chris has been on and he has plenty of thoughts about what he's liked the most and least from the Sabres offseason.  Why isn't Alex Tuch extended already and should we be worried that he's not? That plus what if anything concerns him most about the Bills and plenty more.

Be sure to follow Chris on X at @2ITB_Buffalo and check out the Two in the Box blog in addition to the Instigator Podcast.

The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!

Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.

♦♦♦♦♦

Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast 

Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack

Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB

Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social

Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB

Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast 


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


There's a particular kind of passion that comes from following Buffalo sports, a mix of unwavering hope and hardened realism that Talking Buffalo captures perfectly. Hosted by Buffalo-born Patrick Moran, this Blue Wire podcast dives deep into the heart of the city's teams, with a primary focus on the emotional rollercoasters provided by the Bills and Sabres. Patrick doesn't just report on games; he lives them, offering a perspective that can swing from critical skepticism to full-blown optimism in a single conversation. That authentic, sometimes self-deprecating fan voice is exactly what drives each episode. The show regularly features interviews with guests from across the sports world, media, and even pop culture, providing unique angles and insider insights you won't find elsewhere. It’s this blend of local passion, candid analysis, and diverse conversations that gives the podcast its character. You'll hear the highs, the lows, and all the gritty commentary in between, all filtered through the experience of someone who truly understands what it means to invest in these teams. For anyone who bleeds blue and red or simply appreciates the complex narrative of a sports city, Talking Buffalo feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable, and admittedly opinionated, friend.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

Talking Buffalo
Podcast Episodes
Why Brandin Cooks Proved The Brady Naysayers Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:47
On this Saturday episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran hosts a Podbag episode chockfull of listener submitted questions and takes centering around the Buffalo Bills, including discussing why 32-year old journeyman wi…
Takeaways From An Impressive Jim Leonhard Bills Press Conference [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran shares some of his biggest takeaways after new Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard met with the media on Thursday, including coming up with a boxing comparis…
Bills Final Season Positional Analysis & Grades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:43
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren from SB Nation to go over the Buffalo Bills 2025 season positionally, followed by Matt's final season-long grades for all areas of the team in an…
Five Huge Questions Brandon Beane Must Answer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:05
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran goes over five of the biggest questions that Buffalo Bills general manager (and President of Operations) Brandon Beane is going to have answer soon as he starts to constr…
What A Jim Leonhard Bills Defense May Look Like [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:27
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Cover 1's Anthony Prohaska to discuss several Buffalo Bills topics, including new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhart and what his defense may look like for t…
Joe Brady Presser Reaction: Color Me Impressed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:13
On today's Talking Buffalo, new Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady's introductory press conference took place on Thursday and Patrick Moran has a boatload of reactions, including why he came away from it surprisingly (ve…
Sabres On The Warpath! (Featuring Joe Yerdon Live From Sonny Red's) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:02
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Buffalo Sabres and NHL writer Joe Yerdon to discuss the absolutely scorching hot Buffalo Sabres in addition to a little Buffalo Bills talk as well, recorded…
Bills Promote Brady To Wildly Unpopular Reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran has plenty of instant reaction after the Buffalo Bills promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach following interviews with several candidates, leaving some pe…
Sabres Tearing Sh*t Up & Favorite Bills HC Candidates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:49
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by broadcaster Steve Bermel to discuss their preferred Buffalo Bills head coaching candidates and a Buffalo Sabres team has been absolutely tearing the league u…