4 takeaways: James Cook talks contract, injuries on defense, OL opportunity, more from Bills training camp

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Bills held their second training camp practice on a breezy Thursday with the temperature approaching 90 degrees at St. John Fisher University. Here are some WIVB News 4 takeaways from the day, which included media availabilities with offensive coordinator Joe Brady and running back James Cook.

Proving his worth 'wherever' it's valued

Buffalo's top tailback displayed his game-breaking ability in turning a short pass into a long run to the end zone during team drills.

Cook later explained his motivation for reporting to training camp ready to work after skipping the team's voluntary spring workouts.

"It's my job," Cook said. "I've got to participate so I won't get fined. Just come out here and show them that I'm ready to go and earn what I got to go get."

The 25-year-old who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons and tied a Bills record with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024 said he did not consider a holdout to protest the lack of progress on a contract extension with the Bills, or the hold-in strategy of reporting to camp but not participating in drills.

"I knew I was going to come out here and work," he said. "I don't owe anything to nobody but my teams and myself and my family. So by me participating, it's showing my teammates that I love the game and I'm willing to be out here."

Cook expressed confidence that he will be compensated for the work he's put in at some point in time -- and someplace.

"However it happens, it's going to get done," Cook said. "Wherever it happens."

Cook said his agents are still having discussions with the Bills. "I deserve what I want, what I need," he said. "And it's going to eventually happen."

There are a number of reasons Cook would prefer it happen in Buffalo.

"Quarterback," he said foremost. "And the fans. I mean, it's a great organization. They drafted me for a reason. I feel like and I'm willing to be here and spend my career here."

Bumps and bruises

Starting defensive end AJ Epenesa and reserve linebacker Dorian Williams both left the field before Thursday's practice end. The nature and severity of their injuries were unknown. Williams was later seen leaving the locker room with a sleeve on his right leg.

Rookie pass rusher Landon Johnson participated in team drills after doing only individual work in the first training camp practice. Rookie defensive tackle Deon Walker is no longer restricted by back injury that limited his minicamp participation, coach Sean McDermott said.

Right tackle Spencer Brown (back), tight end Dawson Knox (hamstring), kick returner Laviska Shenault (leg) and offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (calf) remained out. Knox did some individual work on the sideline with trainers.

Grable and willing

Brown's injury has created opportunity for Tylan Grable, the offensive lineman Buffalo drafted last year in the sixth round out of Central Florida. And Grable's practice performance thus far has drawn praise from Buffalo's offensive coordinator.

"He's extremely athletic," Brady said. "He was a high school quarterback and moved around, so you can see how cerebral he is, and you get that athleticism. So it was a guy that you're trying to get a feel of. I she a guard? Is he a tackle going through it? And he bring such versatility being able to play four spots."

"That's my boy," Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins said about Grable. "He's happy, and he's open to learning. Because I'm hard on these guys. I'm very hard on them. But it's how it has to be. He never talks back. He never frowns. He just shakes his head and just goes about his business."

QB2 competition

Mike White moved the ball downfield quarterbacking the second team instead of incumbent backup Mitchell Trubisky. The Bills could save more than $1 million on the salary cap if they release Trubisky and keep White, a fifth-year veteran who has started seven games for the Jets and spent last season on the Bills practice squad after being released by the Dolphins.