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Sean McDermott provides an encouraging update on Bills LB Matt Milano’s status in 2024

Posted on by Pranco
Sean McDermott provides an encouraging update on Bills LB Matt Milano’s status in 2024

The Western New York faithful breathed a collective sigh of disappointment in mid-August when Buffalo Bills star linebacker Matt Milano suffered a biceps tear, an ailment that would sideline the dynamic 30-year-old defenseman.indefinitely.” The fanbase’s optimism was somewhat renewed in late August when Buffalo placed the former All-Pro on injured reserve, not with a season-ending designation, but instead with a “designated to return‘, indicating the team was hopeful he could return to the lineup before the end of the 2024 campaign.

That hope still exists, according to head coach Sean McDermott, who spoke about Milano’s rehabilitation during his media presence on Wednesday. The side boss detailed the tough man’s recovery while speaking to reporters, stating that he is progressing as expected and has maintained a defensive leadership role during his rehabilitation.

Related: Crucial Bills LB Terrel Bernard returns to practice on Wednesday

“There is (hope he returns),” McDermott said. “I don’t know a lot of the details, I just know the big picture of Matt. He is going in the right direction, I see him every day. He is one of the leaders of our football team, and I felt that even more this year than last year.

“I think the rehab process this year with this injury is a little different than last year’s situation, so it has allowed him to be out there more this year and have a positive impact on our football team in the linebacker room and the defense space and in general. . You also see him on the sidelines during matches, his influence is important there for me and for us. I think we are moving in the right direction. I can’t give you any more details about that now.’

Matt Milan

Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK

It’s been some time since Bills fans have seen Milano play live, as he missed the vast majority of the 2023 campaign after suffering a tibial fracture in the team’s Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His extended absence may have caused some national pundits to forget just how impactful the former fifth-round pick is for a player when available, but few linebackers are more consistently dynamic than a healthy Milano; As a professional he has 488 tackles, 39 pass deflections and 10 interceptions to his name, a statistic that is testament to his seemingly innate flair for football.

Initial reports indicated that Buffalo expected Milano to be available sometime in December, and McDermott’s comments suggest that is still the target timeline. Sophomore linebacker Dorian Williams has filled in for Milano’s absence admirably; Although the second-year defenseman has experienced growing pains (especially in pass coverage), he has played well overall, with 72 tackles and two fumble recoveries.

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