Matt Milano played only five games during the 2023 NFL season, leaving the Buffalo Bills without one of their key defensive playmakers. Now, the star linebacker is set for another extended absence, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting on Thursday that the former All-Pro will undergo surgery for a torn biceps sustained this week.
Milano, who turned 30 this summer, left Tuesday’s practice due to the injury. According to Schefter, he hopes to return late in the 2024 season, possibly by December but will be sidelined indefinitely after surgery.
This is a sudden and significant setback for Milano, who had just returned to full strength after suffering a leg fracture in Week 5 of last season. That injury sidelined him for 14 games, including the playoffs.
When healthy, Milano has been one of the Bills’ best defenders. Now on his third contract with the team, he was especially productive at the center of Buffalo’s defense during their 13-3 finish in 2022, recording 99 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Since being drafted in the fifth round out of Boston College in 2017, he has started 74 games for the Bills.
With Milano out, the team is expected to rely on 2023 third-round pick Dorian Williams at linebacker, alongside third-year veteran Terrel Bernard and journeyman Nicholas Morrow.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.