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Alaina Getzenberg, ESPN
BUFFALO, NY — A boost is coming to the Buffalo Bills defense. The Bills have activated linebacker Matt Milano from injured reserve, putting Milano in position to play in Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers (8:20 ET).
Milano, 30, has not played in a regular-season game since Oct. 8, 2023, when he suffered a season-ending leg injury in the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The outside linebacker was on track to return for the 2024 season, but tore his biceps during a drill with a tackle dummy during training camp in August.
“It’s really just the next step, so he hasn’t gone through a Friday practice at this point,” coach Sean McDermott said Friday of Milano’s possible availability. “So we’ll see how he performs today and then we’ll go from there.”
He has only played five games with the team’s starting middle linebacker, Terrel Bernard. The team did not need to make a corresponding roster move as there was a vacant spot on the 53-man roster.
Dorian Williams, a 2023 third-round pick, started and played well in Milano’s spot as part of the team’s 9-2 start to the season. He leads the team in tackles (97) and is second in tackles for loss (five). The 2022 First Team All-Pro participated fully in practice throughout the week.
“It feels good to be out there with the guys,” Milano said Wednesday. “Get back to competing and playing ball.”
The injury required surgery and the team placed him on injured reserve, but with the designation to return. Milano’s 21-practice window opened on November 11.
“Huge,” nickel cornerback Taron Johnson said as he recovered the linebacker. “The way Matt plays, the way he’s played, he’s special. So having a guy like that on the field is going to make our defense tremendously better. So whether he’s here this week or when that week comes moment, I’m just excited to have him back.”
The Bills can clinch the AFC East with a win over the 49ers. The team did not activate rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist) and he was downgraded to out for the game against the 49ers. Your 21-day practice window will remain open.
The Bills also elevated quarterback Mike White and tight end Zach Davidson for the practice squad game. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (wrist) has already been ruled out, while wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is questionable.
