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
Bills At Patriots Preview & Five Bold Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:37
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran has a full preview of a big AFC east clash this Sunday when the Buffalo Bills travel to Foxboro for a rematch with the New England Patriots, complete with three keys to a…
Time Is Now For The Buffalo Bills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:37
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Joe From Queens to discuss several Buffalo Bills and other topics, including the time being now for the Bills in multiple ways.For the immediate future, the…
Bills Positional Analysis & Grades Heading Into Patriots Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:13
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren from SB Nation for their weekly positional analysis of the Buffalo Bills, including grades for each position before turning their attention to hu…
Seven Biggest Bills Takeaways From Big Cinci Win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:11
On this milestone 1,200th episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by PK from the Buffalo Sports Collective to go over seven of their biggest takeaways on the hells of the Buffalo Bills picking up a big victor…
Josh Allen Goes Superman Mode To Beat Bengals (Live Reaction) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:55
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Joe From Queens not long after the Buffalo Bills needed and got a MVP performance from reigning MVP Josh Allen in a thrilling 39-34 win over the Cincinnati B…
Bills Positional Analysis & Grades, Plus Looking At Cincinnati [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:27
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Matt Warren from SB Nation for their weekly Buffalo Bills positional analysis and grades on the heels of last week's impressive 26-7 victory in Pittsburgh be…
Bills Biggest Takeaways From Pittsburgh & Going Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is going over many of his biggest Buffalo Bills takeaways after watching back the film and going over stats from the Bills impressive road victory in Pittsburgh over the…
Bills Impose Their Will In Pittsburgh (LIVE Reactions) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:11
On this episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran is joined by Joe From Queens for tons of live reaction soon after the conclusion of the Buffalo Bills going to Pittsburgh and quite literally imposing their will on the S…
Bills At Steelers Preview & Bold Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:09
It's a bonus Saturday episode on today's Talking Buffalo, as Patrick Moran is previewing a Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers matchup on Sunday that's very important for both teams and as always includes three keys to…
There's One Way For The Bills To Right The Ship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:41
On this Black Friday episode of Talking Buffalo, Patrick Moran recovers from plates full of turkey to discuss several Buffalo Bills topics as they head towards the critical stretch of the regular season, including what h…