The Miami Dolphins were on the road in Orchard Park, N.Y., last week when they battled the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football.” The Bills came out on top 31-21 despite a pretty good game from Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II.
Gordon had nine carries for 38 yards and one rushing touchdown in the loss. But the NFL has come down hard on Gordon for a play during the game.
What Happened to Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon II?
Gordon took a handoff from Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and darted toward the Dolphins’ line of scrimmage.
When Gordon got there, he made a slight move to his right and headed upfield. When he did, though, he collided with a Bills defender. The video clip shows Gordon dropping his helmet down when making contact.
Well, apparently the NFL deemed this play worth a fine. The league fined Gordon $5,045 for unnecessary roughness against Buffalo. As NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero posted on X, “Welcome to the NFL: The league fined #Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon $5,045 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) on this play last week at Buffalo.”
Welcome to the NFL: The league fined #Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon $5,045 for unnecessary roughness (use of helmet) on this play last week at Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/IvyIFwo25I
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2025
Gordon, a 6’2″, 225-pounder, was drafted out of Oklahoma State in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Gordon played his college ball as a Cowboy under Mike Gundy, who was fired from his longtime role as head coach last week.
There’s no word on whether Gordon will or will not pay the fine. It’s a pretty tough call by the NFL on that fine, though, against him. If one reads between the lines of Pelissero’s comments, then he appears not to be in favor of the ruling.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins are 0-3 heading into a “Monday Night Football” matchup against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. Tagovailoa has been at the center of many conversations this season as he’s not gotten off to a solid start. He has 575 passing yards and a QB rating of 35.7.
According to PFSN’s Offense Impact (OFFi), the Dolphins have a 75.3 score and received a C grade.
De’Von Achane leads the Dolphins in rushing with 147 yards on 30 carries and no touchdowns. Gordon was brought into the franchise in the hopes that he could provide a spark to the Dolphins’ rushing game. He was excellent in college and has a knack for hitting the offensive line and attacking it.
The NFL, though, will be having their hands out waiting to see if Gordon will fork over the cash to cover the fine.
