The Buffalo Bills narrowly escaped Week 5 with a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. Running back James Cook fumbled twice, including a costly mistake in overtime that gifted the ball back to the Rams.
Fortunately for Buffalo, it did not cost them as Los Angeles missed the field goal set up by Cook’s fumble. Aside from the ball security issues, Cook has still been a reliable ball carrier in his fifth NFL season.
The three-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 532 yards on 95 attempts with five touchdowns. The 27-year-old led the NFL in rushing yards last year and has kept up that pace in 2026.
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During the win against Los Angeles though, the NFL reviewed a run from Cook and deemed the play would result in a fine.
Late in the first quarter, Cook rushed for a first down but used his helmet to gain extra yards on Rams safety Kamren Kinchens at the end of the play, which the NFL forbids.
While there was no flag on the play, the NFL decided the act was significant enough to warrant a fine and issued it on Saturday. Cook will have to pay $21,167 for use of the helmet and launching. He will have the opportunity to appeal if he chooses to.
However, that is likely not fully on his mind right now. The Bills are 4-1 and still own sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
They will have a chance to stay on top in Week 6 when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders, where Cook will need to take better care of the football or risk losing touches to Ray Davis.
