Breaking; Bills Coach Delivers ‘Big’ Update on $28 Million LB’s Return
On Monday, June 11th, the Buffalo Bills initiated their mandatory minicamp. Prior to commencing practice activities for the day, Sean McDermott – head coach of the team – had some optimistic news to share with respect to linebacker Matt Milano.
Milano, who secured a significant two-year contract extension worth $28 million during the previous offseason, plays an essential role in fortifying the Bills’ defense. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg fracture while competing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 of the NFL season of 2023 and subsequently missed most games thereafter.
Although there has been a veil of secrecy surrounding Milano’s situation, McDermott disclosed that the 29-year-old will resume practicing in a restricted capacity. “This is significant,” communicated McDermott to journalists.
Matt deserves credit for the impressive work he has accomplished with our training staff. He remains extremely focused and dedicated, as evidenced by his tireless efforts to excel in this role. Even though he was already highly driven before, I believe that Matt’s focus has intensified even further since then – an accomplishment which is truly remarkable.
The Bills are taking a cautious approach with Milano, so he will begin with individual drills during the All-Pro. The aim is for him to be fully prepared for training camp and available when they open up. McDermott hopes that by focusing on one day at a time and putting practices back-to-back, this goal can be achieved.
Milan is not the only player limited to start minicamp; safety Mike Edwards and offensive tackle Spencer Brown are also affected. Those who did not practice on Monday were Dorian Williams, Nick Morrow, Baylon Spector, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson and Reggie Gilliam.
Matt Milano has had surgery on a broken tibia, according to reports in Bills News.
During the previous season, Buffalo maintained secrecy regarding Milano’s injury for several months. Despite undergoing surgery that typically ends a player’s season, McDermott refrained from officially declaring him out until he was questioned about it in late December.
In January, the extremely secretive linebacker ended his silence and disclosed information about his injury. Ryan O’Halloran of The Buffalo News reported that Milano shared he suffered a fracture in his right tibia (the bone located at the front of the leg) just under his knee. However, there were no accompanying damages to any knee ligaments.
According to Milano, he will be unable to bear weight on his leg for approximately eight weeks and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Bills’ facility. He anticipates that he will have a regular offseason of training.
The Boston College graduate attended the voluntary team activities and persisted in his rehabilitation exercises and physical conditioning.
Milano had two interceptions, 15 total tackles and defended two passes before he got injured. In the previous season, his stats included tallying up to a hundred tackles with 11 defensed passes, recovering three interceptions and fumbles each in addition to one-and-a-half sacks complemented with a pick-six too.
In 2024, the Bills defense is expected to have undergone significant changes.
On September 19, 2022 at Highmark Stadium, Matt Milano #58 of the Bills intercepted a pass from Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans and ran it back for a touchdown.
The significance of Milano’s comeback as a Buffalo Bills player and experienced mentor cannot be overstated; especially given the extensive changes in their locker room this offseason. The team has already parted ways with Jordan Poyer, Siran Neal, and Tre’Davious White prior to free-agency commencing. As for Micah Hyde – it is still uncertain whether he will return or retire from football altogether.
It is anticipated that Milano will play alongside middle linebacker Terrel Bernard in 2024, with hopes for Von Miller’s return to form. In terms of backup options at the linebacker position, Ulofoshio was selected by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft and Nicholas Morrow and Deion Jones were signed during free agency.
Additionally, Baylon Spector holding the seventh-round pick for 2022 and Dorian Williams possessing the third-round selection in 2023 are both part of Buffalo’s roster.
