By Andrew Wright
Copyright newsweek
The Buffalo Bills defense took a bit of a hit on Wednesday.Head coach Sean McDermott announced that both defensive end Ed Oliver and linebacker Matt Milano are out for Thursday’s divisional showdown against the Miami Dolphins.Oliver is sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Milano is dealing with a pectoral issue that popped up during the first half of Sunday’s win against the New York Jets.Both players being out are huge hits for Buffalo. Oliver especially, as he was a game-wrecker in the Bills’ win over the Ravens two weeks ago. He collected six tackles, a sack and the forced fumble that gave his team the ball back and a chance to tie the game.Milano has been solid through 1 1/2 games, collecting nine tackles and one sack. It is now the third straight season, though, that he’s been injured in the early part of the season.Each of the two have enjoyed success against Miami in recent years. Milano has 20 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in his last two meetings against the Dolphins and Oliver has eight tackles and two sacks in his last four games.Miami’s offense has struggled mightily this season to the tune of just 17.5 points per game through two weeks. The absence of Milano and Oliver could be huge for Tua Tagovailoa and company to have a breakout game on offense.The timelines for the returns of Oliver and Milano are currently unclear. With games against Miami and the New Orleans Saints, prioritizing the health of those two for the long run this season may be the best thing to do.More NFL: Buccaneers Receive Big Baker Mayfield Injury Update for Jets Game
