James Cook returned to practice for the Bills after a hold-in tied to contract talks, with Sean McDermott signaling progress and Cook moving toward full participation. The scene shift could presage a larger early-season role for Cook in Joe Brady’s offense, elevating his fantasy ceiling if a new deal is reached. The development comes as Buffalo eyes stability in a backfield that mixes power and receiving ability, while the preseason backdrop against the Giants frames the latest turn in Cook’s contract saga.