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
LIVE From Imperial Series: Sal Capaccio and Matt Bove [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:53
It’s another edition of LIVE from Imperial series on Talking Buffalo, this time with Patrick Moran joined by both Buffalo Bills beat reporter at WGR 550, Sal Capaccio and WKBW-TV sports anchor Matt Bove for a sit-down co…
Fun Buffalo Bills Training Camp Storylines Looming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:10
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Anthony Marino of Buffalo Rumblings for their weekly chat, this time focused on some fun training camp storylines looming for the Buffalo Bills as as well as…
McDermott/Beane Discussion, Plus Sabres Ready For a Big Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:52
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by PK from the Buffalo Sports Collective to discuss several topics, including thoughts on extensions for Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott & general manag…
LIVE From Imperial Series: Sabres Beat Reporter Lance Lysowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:50
It’s another edition of LIVE from Imperial series on Talking Buffalo, this time with Patrick Moran joined by Buffalo Sabres beat reporter for The Buffalo News, Lance Lysowski for a conversation taped live from Imperial P…
Anthony Marino Talks Buffalo Bills,  Best TV Dads & Ted Lasso [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:41
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Anthony Marino of Buffalo Rumblings to talk all things Buffalo Bills, best TV Dads and a little time chatting up a show both guys love, Ted Lasso.Marino take…
Power Ranking Every Bills Free Agent Signee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is solo today and power ranking each of the 14 free agents Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills have signed this offseason.From likely training camp fodder to depth chart…
LIVE from Imperial Series: Tyler Dunne & Tim Graham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:12
It’s another special edition of LIVE from Imperial series on Talking Buffalo, this time with Patrick Moran joined by two of the very best sports journalists and storytellers in the business, Tyler Dunne from Go Long and…
Ten Athletes We'd Pay To See In Action [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:03
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by friend and recurring guest (Aaron Quinn) for their last weekly chat of the summer, today focused on Buffalo Bills talk in addition to each ranking 10 athlete…
Ashley Rowe Talks Career Change, Buffalo & Succession Appearance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:26
On today's episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by former WKBW-TV news anchor Ashley Rowe to discuss a variety of topics, including what led to her departing the Buffalo media market, feelings about leavin…
Firing Up the Buffalo Hot Take Machine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:21
It's a (very) rare weekend episode of Talking Buffalo, with Patrick Moran joined by Joe from Queens for the first time in several months and predictably it results in firing up the hot take machine, with Joe having takes…