Buffalo Bills Linebacker Matt Milano is Injured Once Again

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott delivered an expected update this afternoon: linebacker Matt Milano will likely miss time this season with a partially torn pectoral muscle, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Milano has not played for the Bills’ defense since suffering the injury three weeks ago, missing each game since then. Losing Milano this week on a short week, as the Bills face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, challenge to Buffalo’s defense. However, because Milano has missed significant time with injuries, Buffalo already plans to replace him with backup linebacker Dorian Williams.

Milano suffered his latest pectoral muscle injury during the second half of the Bills’ 30-10 victory over the New York Jets. He had to leave the game, and linebacker Dorian Williams stepped in to finish alongside Terrel Bernard. Williams also filled in for Milano last season, playing 11 games due to Milano’s previous injury. In the off-season, Buffalo restructured Milano’s contract, reducing his salary by $3 million due to his recurring injuries.

With Milano injured again, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive depth is being put to the test early this season. Last season, Bernard missed two games with a partially torn pectoral muscle. It appears Milano will not be available to play this Thursday against the Dolphins.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane has a reputation for building rosters that have high-quality backup players to account for injuries to players like Matt Milano and defensive tackle Ed Oliver.  That reputation is apparent once again, as the Bills have a starter-quality backup linebacker like Dorian Williams ready to step in and replace Milano.  In 2024, Williams played in 11 games in relief for Milano, and he ended up leading the Bills’ defense in total tackles with 117.  While losing Milano is definitely a loss for the Bills’ defense, Buffalo does have a solid replacement and should continue to play well defensively despite Milano’s absence.