After Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane caused some concern among fans with a vague update on injured linebacker Matt Milano last month, head coach Sean McDermott is offering more clarity on his return.
Milano suffered a fractured leg in October and missed the rest of the season. In April, Beane provided an update at the team’s voluntary workout, but his comments that Milano was “still working through his deal” left questions about the injury’s extent.
This week, McDermott gave a more specific timeline, emphasizing Milano will need more time to fully recover.
That's @MatthewMilanoo's ball!
📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/INMzgiL7xf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2023
### Matt Milano’s Rehab ‘On Schedule’
During the team’s OTAs on May 21, McDermott said Milano’s rehab is progressing well and on schedule. While avoiding a precise return date, McDermott hinted it would be closer to training camp, possibly with some drill work before then.
“The word I’ve gotten from our training staff is that he’s on schedule,” McDermott said via the team’s official website. “Matt’s here every day, working hard. It’s likely we won’t see him out there until closer to training camp, maybe some drills before that, maybe not, depending on his progress.”
The team had faced criticism for the lack of details surrounding Milano’s injury. In November, Jay Skurksi of the Buffalo News highlighted the mystery, noting the potential for extended recovery if there was ligament damage along with the fracture.
“With Milano, the question of additional knee damage besides the broken leg remains unanswered,” Skurski wrote. “If he tore his ACL, he’s out for the year. The Bills haven’t said that, though. The secrecy raises hope he might return at some point.”
Milano, who signed a $44 million contract extension in 2021 and extended it another two years in 2023, was on track for a career-best season before his injury, with 30 total tackles and two interceptions.
That's @MatthewMilanoo's ball!
📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/INMzgiL7xf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2023
### Bills Added Depth at Linebacker
Although McDermott’s timeline suggests Milano will be ready for the season, the Bills have added insurance by signing linebacker Deion Jones to a one-year deal. This move is seen as a precaution in case Milano isn’t fully fit by the season’s start.
Jones had a productive 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers, recording 35 total tackles, six passes defended, one sack, and one interception.
Additionally, the Bills drafted linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio in the fifth round to bolster their linebacking corps.
