Bills News: Upsetting Injury Update on Matt Milano as Josh Allen Takes Strong Step

The Buffalo Bills seem to be having an injury crisis. While quarterback Josh Allen didn’t miss an entire game, his bleeding nose in Week 2 made things difficult. Now, two more players are reportedly down in Buffalo: Ed Oliver and Matt Milano. 

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in a recent X post the injury update given by the Bills head coach Sean McDermott on his appearance on Extra Point Show, ahead of Week 3. Defensive tackle Oliver is down with an ankle injury, and linebacker Milano is dealing with a pectoral injury. 

This would be Oliver’s second consecutive miss this season. He injured his ankle more than a week ago during practice, which resulted in him sitting out the Week 2 clash against the New York Jets. The latest update on his recovery came on Tuesday when he was seen wearing a walking boot. As for the linebacker Milano, he suffered the same fate as the signal-caller during the Jets clash, but his injury was worse. He sustained the injury before the half-time and didn’t return in the second half of the game. 

Although head coach McDermott hasn’t laid down a return timeline for both players, he said, “What I’ve been told is it’s too early to tell before this thing settles in or plays itself out,” specifically concerning Milano. If his injury turned out to be more serious, it may mark a major setback in his career, as he has already missed a major chunk of the previous two seasons. In 2023, he missed 12 games due to a broken leg, and again in 2024, he was sidelined for 13 games with a torn bicep. What’s even tougher is that the availability of DB Cam Lewis (shoulder), CB Taron Johnson (quad), and LB Shaq Thompson (hamstring/hand) remains questionable for Week 3. 

As for the reigning NFL MVP, after he was seen with a bleeding nose in Week 2, he sustained a bruise. He was still in pain when he returned two plays later in the third quarter. But after the game, he admitted that he could “breathe, so it’s good.” He wasn’t listed on the IR or marked questionable, so it’s certainly positive news. But he will be seen wearing a visor when he steps on the Highmark Stadium. 

“Your voice kind of echoes off of it too. So, it’s just, it’s a little bit weirder,” he said about wearing the visor. But if that’s what it takes for him to protect his nose and avoid making it worse, then be it. 

Buffalo’s Defense under pressure

With two crucial defensive arms listed on IR, the Bills desperately need reinforcements. Milano’s replacement is certain, with linebacker Dorian Williams set to take over. But with Thompson, Johnson, and Lewis also uncertain, there isn’t much wiggle room available for McDermott. This means more pressure on quarterback Allen and his offense. Besides Williams, McDermott may also rely on emerging talents like Terrel Bernard. 

So far this year, Bernard has logged one tackle for loss, seven tackles, one fumble recovery, and one quarterback hit. What’s even better is that he’s been instrumental in forcing turnovers. And the opposing quarterback for Week 3 has a record of 58 turnovers in his career. That has been the major concern with Tua Tagovailoa even this year. 

The Bills also have defensive end Joey Bosa, who is known for never going easy on the opposing quarterbacks. This season, he has recorded two QB hits, one sack, and three forced fumbles, two of which came last week against Justin Fields and the Jets. So even without missing two disruptive players, things aren’t alarming with Buffalo’s defense, at least against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.