What happened: Appeals officer James Thrash overturned the game ban levied against Buffalo Bills cornerback Sam Franklin Jr., converting the discipline into a fine, per Mike Garafolo. Franklin maintained throughout the review process that he did not spit.

Why it matters: Clearing the suspension keeps Franklin eligible for Buffalo's active game-day roster while sparing him a forfeited game check. The decision preserves the Bills' secondary and special-teams depth during the regular-season schedule.

What to watch: Buffalo will formally restore Franklin from the reserve/suspended list to the active roster ahead of its next contest.