Although Cook has been present for training camp, he declined to practice for nine days and didn’t play in the preseason opener while he was seeking a new contract. Yesterday, however, Cook agreed to practice, which was a sign that both sides felt negotiations were heading in the right direction.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is entering a fate-deciding contract year. If Walker produced a better campaign in 2024, he would have potentially positioned himself for an extension this offseason. Instead, the former Michigan State standout rushed for a career-low 573 yards and a personal-worst 3.7 yards per carry.

While McDermott made it clear that the team is the focus, and that when a player is focused on themselves, they are, for better or worse, not actively or at least fully a part of the team, given recent events Cook getting back out there in uniform is a good sign and hopefully a step in the right direction.