Image source: The Associated Press
The Buffalo Bills had a rough Week 12, and things got even worse after the game. They lost 23-19, Josh Allen was sacked eight times, and he threw two interceptions. But the bad news didn’t stop there. The NFL announced another hit to the Bills’ offense, and this one came off the field.
On Saturday, the league released its weekly list of fines. Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam was fined $11,111 for unnecessary roughness. The NFL said the penalty was for using his helmet during a play. For a team already dealing with a tough loss, this fine made the week feel even longer. Gilliam is known as one of the more physical players on the offense, so the timing wasn’t great.
The league later explained why these penalties happen. The NFL said it works with the NFL Players Association to create rules that protect players and keep the game fair. When someone breaks those rules, fines can follow — which is why these lists come out every week.
This was the first fine Reggie Gilliam received this season. Even so, it added to a growing trend for the Bills. He was the only Buffalo player fined in Week 12, but he became the third Bills player fined in the last two weeks. Joey Bosa and Ty Johnson were fined earlier for a hit on a quarterback and for making an obscene gesture. Their fines were $17,389 and $10,777.
What stands out about Reggie Gilliam’s fine is how little he has been used on offense this year. He has no rushing attempts, just one catch for two yards, and has played 179 offensive snaps — about 24 percent of the team’s total. Even with limited touches, Reggie Gilliam still ended up on the league’s radar.
For the Bills, it’s one more problem during a tough stretch of the season. As they fight to stay in the playoff race, avoiding more penalties — on the field or off of it — will be important in the weeks ahead.
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