Bills biggest questions: Matt Milano’s health

For the second straight season, the Bills’ linebacker position represents one of the most important storylines heading into training camp.

A year after Terrel Bernard cemented himself as the replacement for free agent departure Tremaine Edmunds, the health of All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano is a chief concern entering the 2024 campaign.

Milano is trying to make his way back from a devastating leg injury that cost him all but five games in 2023. He was hurt during the Bills loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 5.

In somewhat of a surprise, Milano returned to the practice field to participate in limited fashion during mandatory minicamp in June. Previously, head coach Sean McDermott had indicated it was more likely Milano would begin practicing during training camp at St. John Fisher University.

Milano’s progress is crucial to the Bills’ defensive plans this season. He turns 30 years old during training camp, but prior to the injury last season, was in the midst of some of the best linebacker play in the league. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2022.

He formed a strong duo with Bernard in 2023, who was a breakout player for the Bills’ defense in his second season. Having the two athletic linebackers on the field together allows the club to best utilize its base nickel defense with five defensive backs behind them. 

While it will be a positive to see Milano begin to take full practice reps as soon as possible, it’s more important that he’s ready to play when the Bills open the regular season in September.

If Bernard can continue his ascension at middle linebacker and Milano is healthy and close to the player he was prior to the injury, it will make for a fantastic duo at the base of Bobby Babich’s defensive core. 

The team also signed veterans Deion Jones and Nicholas Morrow, who could provide depth and leadership. Youngsters Dorian Williams and Baylon Specter will also be in the mix, along with rookie Edefuan Ulofoshio. Western New York sports fans will also be interested in keeping an eye on Joe Andreessen, the product of nearby Lancaster High School and the University at Buffalo, who signed with his hometown team as an undrafted free agent after a tryout at rookie minicamp.