The Bills continue to expect their veteran linebacker to return in the late season. According to coach Sean McDermott, the Bills intend to play linebacker Matt Milano in 2024.The Bills continue to expect their veteran linebacker to return in the late season. Coach Sean McDermott told reporters that the Bills still see a scenario where linebacker Matt Milano would play during the 2024 season.
Milano’s recovery from a torn bicep is “going well,” according to the coach. McDermott also stated that Milano continues to have an impact on the current group, with the coach praising the player’s leadership during the rehabilitation process.
“There is [hope that he’ll return],” McDermott said. “I don’t know a lot of the details; I just have a general idea of Matt. I see him every day, and he is progressing in the correct path. He’s a leader on our football team, and I’ve felt it even more this year than previous.”
Even if Milano is able to play this year, it will be the veteran’s second consecutive losing season. Milano suffered a shattered leg and a knee injury in Week 5 of the 2023 season, which ended prematurely. The veteran was able to return in time for this year’s minicamp, but a bicep injury during training camp sidelined him for the whole 2024 season.
Another serious injury dealt Milano a hard blow ahead of his age-30 season. Despite the persistent injury difficulties, the Bills designated the linebacker for IR-Return, indicating optimism from the organization. While the Bills should not anticipate much from the veteran, he would add a new face to the LB corps. Dorian Williams has been the Bills’ sole consistency at the position in 2024, with Baylon Spector filling in while Terrel Bernard is injured.
Milano earned his sole career All-Pro nod in his last full season, finishing with 99 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three interceptions (including a pick-six). That performance helped win the linebacker a two-year contract deal that will keep him in Buffalo until the 2026 season. Unfortunately, the Boston College product may not see the end of that agreement. As Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News writes, Milano’s $16MM cap hit for the 2025 season will fuel uncertainty regarding his roster position moving into the offseason.
