Another key member of the Buffalo Bills' defense may not be available Thursday night when they host the Miami Dolphins and his absence may extend beyond the Week 3 matchup.
Bills coach Sean McDermott told reporters Monday that linebacker Matt Milano would not practice because of a pectoral injury. McDermott wasn't prepared to say whether Milano's absence would be short term.
"I don't know," McDermott said when asked if Milano will be out long term. "We'll see."
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
It would be another significant loss for a defense that's unlikely to have its top defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, for a second consecutive game. Oliver also didn't practice Monday because of an injury to his left ankle. He didn't travel to New Jersey for the Bills' Week 2 win, and his absence led to more snaps for rookie defensive tackles Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders.
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Taron Johnson, the Bills' nickel cornerback, is also dealing with a quad injury that kept him out Sunday. He, fellow nickel cornerback Cam Lewis and linebacker Shaq Thompson were limited in practice Monday, though rookie nickel corner/safety Jordan Hancock made enough progress from his shoulder injury to participate without restrictions. The Bills made Hancock, a fifth-round pick out of Ohio State, inactive in Week 1 and the shoulder became a problem during practice last week.
Milano was healthy throughout the Bills' offseason, and he was arguably their best defensive player during training camp. Through two games to start his ninth NFL season, Milano has nine tackles, including a sack. He played 23 snaps against the Jets, before he was replaced by third-year linebacker Dorian Williams.
Williams started 11 games in 2024 because Milano tore one of his biceps during a practice in training camp last August. He missed all but five games in 2023 because of a broken leg. Milano, 31, was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2022, when he had 99 tackles, 12 for a loss, and three interceptions. In 96 regular-season games for Buffalo, Milano has 513 tackles and 10 interceptions.
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