Bills' Joe Brady Clarifies Viral Comments on James Cook Losing Playing Time Amid Fumbling Issues

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady clarified comments from Tuesday saying he would consider decreasing James Cook's carries if he didn't lessen his fumbles, telling reporters a day later he still intends to feed the star running back the ball.

"I don't want James running any more timid," he said. "He's playing outstanding right now, in terms of how he's running the football. I don't know if anyone is running the ball better than him in the NFL. But we're putting the ball on the ground. And so there's a fine line in terms of, I don't want him feeling like he has to be scared of how he's running, and now he's not hitting the hole. ... He's aware of it, we're going to continue coaching it. But I don't want you guys to think I'm going to stop giving Cook the ball either."

Cook had two fumbles during Monday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams, losing one in overtime that gave the Rams the ball with a chance to win (though Buffalo blocked a field goal on L.A.'s ensuing possession). He now has four fumbles this season and 11 dating back to the 2025 campaign, including the playoffs.

But he's also third in the NFL in rushing yards (532) and is one of Buffalo's most dynamic offensive weapons, so the ideal solution isn't benching him. But there's little doubt that his ball security needs to improve.