ORCHARD PARK, NY. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Bills are headed back to St. John Fisher for training camp. It will be the 24th time that camp will be held at the site.
WIVB News 4 will preview each position group on the Bills to get you ready for the return of football later this month.
LINEBACKER
X-factor: Matt Milano
The last two seasons have been a rollercoaster for Milano. In 2023, he stormed out the gates with two interceptions and a forced fumble. But then in Week 5 against the Jaguars in London, he broke his leg and missed the rest of the season.
The former All-Pro spent the following offseason rehabbing and preparing to return to the lineup. But then just weeks before the season began, he tore his bicep.
Milano eventually made his season debut in early December. He was rusty at first, but as the season went on, he showed flashes of the old Milano especially in the postseason.
Milano has played a full season just twice in eight years. But if the linebacker can stay healthy and play at an All-Pro level again, it will be a huge boost to the Bills defense.
Position battle to watch: Backup linebacker
Well according to Bills defensive coordinator, Bobby Babich, there is no depth chart right now.
“I know you think I’m silly, but every position is wide open,” said Babich. “Every position is wide open. If Terrel Bernard doesn’t come out and play the way he needs to play, we’ve got to do his best for the Buffalo Bills.”
In a literal sense, yes. But I can assure you that Bernard, Milano and Dorian Williams are locks to make the team. What about the other spots?
Last season, Baylon Spector, Edefuan Ulofoshio, and Lancaster native, Joe Andreessen all made the team. But in 2025, there’s no guarantee the Bills put six linebackers on the 53-man roster. Those three, alongside free agent signee, Shaq Thompson will all battle to make the team this season.
Bold prediction: Joe Andreessen wins the job of backup middle linebacker.
Out of fall camp last season, Baylon Spector was slotted as Bernard’s backup. But Spector has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure in Orchard Park.
Coupled with the fact that Andreessen had an excellent summer, I believe that the Lancaster native has the inside track to not just make the 53-man roster again, but win the backup job outright.