Matt Milano
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before a game against against the San Francisco 49ers at Highmark Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills dropped their first game of the season against the New England Patriots on Sunday night, and may have also lost a key defensive player who just made his way back from another injury.
The Bills fell 23-20 in a mistake-filled game, allowing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to lead the first game-winning drive of his career as New England secured a late field goal for the victory. The Bills struggled on defense at times, especially in the second half as an injury to linebacker Matt Milano forced the team to dig into its depth.
Though the Bills have not given a full update on Milano, the initial details of the injury could spell trouble for the defense.
Matt Milano Aggravates Injury
The Bills announced during the game that Milano was out with a pectoral injury. He was initially listed as questionable to return, but ultimately remained on the sidelines as the team turned to backup Shaq Thompson to take his place.
The update brought some concern as Milano had missed the previous two weeks with a pectoral injury that he suffered during a Week 2 win over the New York Jets.
As Ryan Miller of the Democrat and Chronicle noted, Milano has dealt with a series of injuries over the last two years.
“Milano has missed 25 games since the start of 2023. He missed the final 12 games that year after breaking his leg, then was sidelined for 13 more in 2024 due to a torn biceps suffered in training camp,” Miller wrote. “He returned in Week 13 last season and posted 16 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one tackle for loss in four games.
“The 2017 fifth-round pick has also broken his fibula (2018) and battled hamstring and pectoral injuries during his nine-year career.”