Two key members of the Buffalo Bills’ defense won’t be on the field Thursday night when they host the Miami Dolphins in Highmark Stadium.
Bills coach Sean McDermott told WGR Radio on Wednesday morning that neither Milano (pectoral) nor Oliver (ankle) are ready to return from their respective injuries. Dorian Williams is expected to start in place of Milano, while the Bills likely will continue to rotate multiple defensive tackles with Oliver out for a second straight game.
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Milano suffered the injury Sunday during the Bills’ 30-10 win over the New York Jets in MetLife Stadium. He wore his helmet while standing on the sideline during the second half but Williams took his spot on the field. It’s too soon for the Bills to know the severity of Milano’s injury, McDermott said Wednesday.
Oliver was still wearing a walking boot on his left foot Tuesday following the team’s practice at One Bills Drive. He suffered the injury during practice last Wednesday.
Williams started 11 games for the Bills last season after Milano tore his bicep in the preseason. Even once bumped from the starting role, Williams still finished the season leading the Bills with 114 tackles. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich has seen a different level of confidence from Williams this season.
Milano was healthy throughout the Bills’ offseason, and was arguably their best defensive player during training camp. Through two games to start his ninth NFL season, Milano has nine tackles, including a sack. He played 23 snaps against the Jets, before he was replaced by Williams, a third-year linebacker.
Williams started 11 games in 2024 because Milano tore one of his biceps during a practice in training camp that August. He missed all but five games in 2023 because of a broken leg. Milano, 31, was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2022, when he had 99 tackles, 12 for a loss, and three interceptions. In 96 regular-season games for Buffalo, Milano has 513 tackles and 10 interceptions.
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Lance Lysowski
News Sports Reporter
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