BUFFALO, N.Y. — A lift is coming to the Buffalo Payments’ protection. The Payments have activated linebacker Matt Milano off injured reserve, placing Milano in place to play in Sunday evening’s sport in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers (8:20 ET).
Milano, 30, has not performed in a regular-season sport since Oct. 8, 2023, when he suffered a season-ending leg damage within the staff’s sport vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The surface linebacker was on tempo to return for the 2024 season however tore his biceps throughout a drill with a tackling dummy throughout coaching camp in August.
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“Actually simply the subsequent step, proper, so, he hasn’t been by a Friday apply actually to this extent,” coach Sean McDermott mentioned Friday of Milano’s potential availability. “So, we’ll see how he handles right now after which go from there.”
Milano has performed in solely 5 video games with the staff’s beginning center linebacker, Terrel Bernard. The staff didn’t must make a corresponding roster transfer as there was an open spot on the 53-man roster.
Dorian Williams — a 2023 third-round choose — has began and performed properly in Milano’s place as a part of the staff’s 9-2 begin to the season. He leads the staff in tackles (97) and is second in tackles for loss (5).
The 2022 first-team All-Professional was a full participant in apply all week.
“It feels good simply to be on the market with the blokes, man,” Milano mentioned Wednesday. “Be competing once more and taking part in ball.”
The damage required surgical procedure, and the staff positioned him on injured reserve however with a designation to return. Milano’s 21-day apply window was opened Nov. 11.
“Big,” nickel nook Taron Johnson mentioned on getting the linebacker again. “The best way Matt performs the sport, the way in which he has performed the sport, is particular. So having a man like that on the sphere goes to make our protection tremendously higher. So, whether or not he is right here this week or at any time when that point comes, simply excited to have him again.”
The Payments can clinch the AFC East with a win over the 49ers. The staff didn’t activate rookie defensive deal with DeWayne Carter (wrist), and he has been downgraded to out for the sport vs. the 49ers. His 21-day apply window will stay open.
The Payments additionally elevated quarterback Mike White and tight finish Zach Davidson from the apply squad for the sport. Tight finish Dalton Kincaid (wrist) has already been dominated out, whereas extensive receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) is questionable.
