The Buffalo Bills remain optimistic that starting linebacker Matt Milano will return to action soon despite suffering a knee injury in the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Head coach Sean McDermott provided an update on Milano’s status during a press conference on Monday, stating that the 28-year-old is making progress in his recovery.
“Matt’s doing well,” McDermott said. “He’s day-to-day right now, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
Milano is a crucial part of the Bills’ defense, which ranked among the league’s elite last season. He has missed only three games in his five-year career with Buffalo.
His absence would be a significant blow to a unit that is already without cornerback Tre’Davious White, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
Milano suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his left knee during the first quarter of the Panthers game.
Initial reports suggested that Milano could miss up to six weeks, but McDermott is hopeful that he will return before that.
“We’re not going to rush him back, but we’re also not going to hold him out any longer than necessary,” McDermott explained. “We’ll see how he responds to treatment and rehab over the next few days and make a decision from there.”
Milano is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. He is a key part of the Bills’ sub-package defense, which they use frequently in passing situations.
In 2021, Milano recorded 103 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions. He also had a team-high 14 passes defended.
His return would be a major boost to a Bills defense that is looking to build on its success from last season.
While Milano is out, the Bills have several options to replace him in the lineup.
Tyrel Dodson is the most likely candidate to start in Milano’s place. Dodson has been a solid contributor on special teams and has played some snaps at linebacker in the past.
Terrell Bernard and Andre Smith are other potential options at linebacker. Both players are relatively inexperienced, but they have shown promise in the preseason.
The Bills are cautiously optimistic that Matt Milano will return to action soon. His absence would be a blow to the defense, but the team has several options to replace him in the lineup.
Milano’s recovery will continue to be monitored closely in the coming days and weeks. The Bills will need him to be back on the field as soon as possible if they want to contend for a Super Bowl in 2022.
