Matt Milano Sidelined with Torn Bicep; Out Indefinitely

Creator: Michael Owens | Credit: Getty Images

Buffalo, NY – After the first week of the preseason, the injuries are starting to pile up around the league. In Buffalo star linebacker Matt Milano suffered a bicep injury that will keep him out indefinitely going forward.

The Incident:

Milano, a crucial part of the Bills’ defensive unit, sustained the injury during a routine practice session. After Missing 14 games, including the playoffs, Milano was fully healthy and ready to return to form in 2024. On Tuesday he left training camp with his status being unknown, today we got the news that this injury was going to keep Milano out indefinitely.

“It’s unfortunate news regarding Matt Milano’s bicep injury,” coach Sean McDermott said in a team statement. “He’s a resilient person and we’re all here to support him.” Milano has been a key piece for the Bills ever since McDermott took over as the head coach in Buffalo.

The Impact:

Milano’s absence leaves a significant void in the Bills’ defense. His leadership and playmaking ability are central to Buffalo’s game plan and losing him is akin to losing a critical piece of their defensive puzzle. In 2022 when Milano was fully healthy he was a pro bowler and recorded 99 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and 3 interceptions. One of the things that makes Milano so great is his pass coverage ability. The Bills will now need to rely on their depth and hope that someone can step up in Milano’s absence.

The two guys that will be asked to step up are 2023 third-round draft pick Dorian Williams and third-year veteran Terrel Bernard. Bernard did start in the playoffs last year for the Bills and showed flashes of being a talented linebacker. Aside from the linebacker position other players on defense will need to step up after losing one of their best players.

What’s Next?

Despite the grim outlook, there is hope that Milano can make a successful return to the field later in the season. Following the injury, Milano has undergone surgery to repair the torn muscle. The linebacker is expected to embark on a rigorous recovery process, with a potential return in December being the best-case scenario. However, such recoveries are complex and often unpredictable, requiring intensive physical therapy and careful management. For the Bills, the hope is that Milano’s recovery will coincide with a critical juncture in their playoff push.

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