Bills' Franklin carries one strike under new NFL rules

Buffalo Bills player Sam Franklin Jr. was fined $9,425 for an illegal blindside block during the team's Week 1 victory over the Houston Texans. This infraction is significant because it counts as the first 'strike' under the NFL's recently implemented three-strike suspension system, set to take full effect in the 2026 season. A third offense in any of the five designated violation categories will result in an automatic one-game suspension.

Franklin, a safety and special teams captain, was flagged for the block during a punt return, leading to a penalty. He has appealed the fine, though the category of violation cannot be appealed, only the financial penalty itself. Under the new framework, avoiding further offenses means Franklin could have 50 percent of his fine refunded at season's end. The Bills are currently focused on their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, with Franklin expected to play.