Joe Brady sends stern warning to James Cook

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Joe Brady sends stern warning to James Cook

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 5:07 PM ET

James Cook is one of the most productive running backs in the league, but the Buffalo Bills standout may have to sweat his playing time for the near future.

Bills coach Joe Brady warned Tuesday that Cook’s playing time could be negatively impacted if his fumbling issues continue. Cook fumbled twice during the Bills’ 37-34 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday and lost one of them.

“We’re putting the ball in harm’s way. We know the way we lose football games is we turn the ball over,” Brady said. “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 ball right now, but putting the ball on the ground is 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 when we’re putting negative stuff out there. … It’s gotta improve or the carries are gonna decrease.”

Joe Brady threatens James Cook’s playing time: “We’re putting the ball in harm’s way.. It’s negating all the positive.. I have confidence in him.. At some point there has to be consequences..It’s gotta improve or the carries are gonna decrease.” https://t.co/QdtGWnHmji
— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) October 13, 2026

Presumably, benching Cook is not something the Bills would do lightly. He tallied 1,621 rushing yards last season to lead the league, and his yards per game have actually risen to 106 this season. However, he has four fumbles in five games, and has lost two of them.

Cook was well aware of the fact that he got away with one on Monday night. Brady has firmly put him on notice if he did not already know it.

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