Buffalo Bills’ Defensive Leader Matt Milano Out Indefinitely After Bicep Tear
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano is facing another extended absence after suffering a torn left bicep during a practice session on Tuesday.
The injury, confirmed by Bills head coach Sean McDermott on Thursday, will require surgery, sidelining the star defender for the foreseeable future. This setback is especially tough for Milano, who was returning to full health after a leg injury cut short his 2023 season.
Milano, a key figure in the Bills’ defense, was injured during a tackling drill. The 30-year-old linebacker had been slowly reintegrating into practice following his recovery from a broken leg that caused him to miss the last 12 games of the previous season. Just as he was getting back to full strength, this new injury puts his participation in the 2024 season in doubt.
McDermott acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized Milano’s resilience.
“Matt’s a strong young man,” he said. “He’s resilient, and we’ve got to be resilient. We’ve got to move forward to work on solutions.”
Milano’s absence is a significant blow to the Bills, who were counting on his leadership and playmaking ability to guide a defense that has already seen substantial turnover due to offseason moves.
The Bills’ linebacker depth will now be tested, with younger players like Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard expected to step up. The team also added veteran Deion Jones to bolster the lineup, but replacing Milano’s on-field presence and experience will be a tall order.
Milano’s contributions to the Bills have been substantial since he was drafted in 2017. His standout performance in 2022, where he recorded 99 tackles and 11 passes defended, earned him All-Pro honors. Over his career, he has tallied 488 tackles and 39 passes defended, making him a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense.
The timeline for Milano’s return remains unclear. While there is hope that he could be back by December, recovery from a bicep tear is unpredictable, and the team is preparing for the possibility that he may not return this season. This marks the second consecutive season where Milano’s impact has been limited by injury, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
In the meantime, the Bills will need to find ways to adapt without their star linebacker. The team’s success this season could hinge on how well they can fill the gap left by Milano’s absence and whether the younger players can rise to the challenge.