Buffalo Bills team captain successfully appeals late suspension

Buffalo Bills safety and special teams captain Sam Franklin Jr. has successfully appealed his suspension for an alleged spitting incident. Hearing officer James Thrash reduced Franklin's suspension to a $14,926 fine, clearing him to play in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. The suspension stemmed from an alleged incident following an extra-point try during the Bills' Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Meanwhile, fellow Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was unsuccessful in his appeal after spitting at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers in Week 6. Gardner-Johnson will serve his one-game suspension against Baltimore, while Franklin returns immediately to the active roster following Buffalo's bye week.