Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report that Matt Milano had been activated by the Bills from injured reserve. On Sunday night against the 49ers, the seasoned linebacker is scheduled to make his season debut. Since ripping his bicep during training camp in August, Milano has been out of commission. After 53-man roster cuts, the Bills put him on injured reserve (IR) with a return designation, suggesting that they anticipated Milano would play this season.
Before returning to the field in the centre of the Bills defence, Milano needed a few weeks to get up to speed. His practice window opened on November 11. Buffalo has been exposed in the middle of the pitch without the 2022 All-Pro, just like last year when Milano missed the most of the season due to a damaged leg. Additionally, the Bills are giving up the fifth-highest amount of yards per rush in the NFL this season—4.9 yards. But thanks in large part to a league-high turnover rate of 17.9%, Buffalo’s opportunistic defence has only given up 214 points, the seventh-fewest in the NFL. Rehiring Milano will strengthen their deficiencies and increase the defense’s floor without lowering their disruptive ceiling, but it won’t reduce their turnover potential.
In Milano’s absence, Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard have started at linebacker; Williams has made 11 starts and has a 77.4% snap share, while Bernard has made eight starts and has a 62.14% snap share. Given the Bills’ tendency to use three-safety dime packages in clear passing situations, both guys will probably see a decrease in playing time now that Milano is well.According to a team announcement, the Bills also promoted quarterback Mike White and tight end Zach Davidson off the practice squad for Sunday night’s game. Davidson, who started as the offense’s third tight end against Kansas City, will make his second appearance of the season. White, who hasn’t played in a game this season, is probably going to be the Bills’ backup third quarterback.
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