James Cook Could Lose Playing Time amid Fumbling Issues, Bills HC Joe Brady Says

Star running back James Cook fumbled in overtime during Monday night's 37-34 win over the Los Angeles Rams, a gaffe that nearly cost the Buffalo Bills the game.

In the aftermath, head coach Joe Brady said Cook's usage could be decreased if he doesn't improve his ball security.

"We're putting the ball in harm's way. And we know the way we lose football games is turning the ball over," he told reporters. "Our two best players turned the ball over last night. James has put the ball on the ground. Look, he's doing so many good things running the football. And I don't want to lose sight of how great he's running the football right now. But putting the ball on the ground, it's negating all the positive. I have all the confidence in him, that's why I put him right back out there. But at some point there has to be consequences to when we're putting negative stuff out there. ... That can't happen or it's gonna cost us football games and almost cost us one. We can't confuse that because we won that's OK. It's gotta improve or the carries are gonna decrease."

Were it not for a blocked kick in overtime, Cook would have been partially on the hook for a tough loss.

▶️ Full Bills-Rams Recap

05:56

Nonetheless, his fumbling woes have become a major concern. He had two fumbles alone on Monday night, losing one, and nobody has been looser with the ball than Cook since the start of the 2025 season.

It has created a dilemma for the Bills. Cook, 27, had 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns on Monday night (to go alone with a seven-yard reception). His 532 rushing yards are third in the NFL and his 5.6 yards per carry is tied for fourth in the league. He's one of the most dynamic running backs in the sport.

But turnovers lose games and the Bills are currently minus-four in turnover differential, tied for 24th. Buffalo may be 4-1 on the season, but consistently losing the turnover battle is a quick way to turn close wins into close losses.