The Buffalo Bills already came into Sunday's London game with significant injury issues on defense, but now the team could be without All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano for a significant stretch of time.
Early in Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Milano went down in serious pain after having his leg caught under a pile of players. The star Bills linebacker had to be carted off the field, and was ruled out for the game.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that Milano was spotted with a full cast on his leg, which suggests that the star linebacker may have broken his leg, or at least suffered a major injury.
Per @JamieErdahl, Matt Milano had a full cast on his leg from his shin to his thigh, indicative of a potentially major injury. https://t.co/HdOcW3EeIg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2023
The injury is a significant one to an already banged-up Bills defense. Starting cornerback Tre'Davious White suffered a torn achilles tendon the week before, ending his 2023 season after being placed on injured reserve.
Milano has been a key contributor to Buffalo's defense since being taken in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Boston College. While he's consistently been a productive linebacker for the Bills, Milano is coming off a career season that included a Pro Bowl nod and a first-team All Pro selection. He finished the 2022 campaign with 99 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown.
The injury forced rookie Dorian Williams onto the field against the Jaguars. The third-round pick out of Tulane is a bit undersized at 225 pounds, but his athletic profile will make him an interesting one for Bills fans to keep an eye on going forward this season. Meanwhile, second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard will have to take on an even bigger role with the team's leader in Milano potentially out for the remainder of the 2023 season.
With so many losses to their defense, the Bills will have to lean even heavier on star quarterback Josh Allen.
