Bills Linebacker Matt Milano Absent from Jaguars Match due to Knee Injury

LONDON — Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing him to be ruled out of Sunday’s game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Milano’s knee injury occurred on a third-and-6 play during the Jaguars’ second drive from the Bills’ 10-yard line. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence attempted a pass to wide receiver Christian Kirk in the end zone, but defensive tackle Ed Oliver’s early pressure forced an incomplete pass. Milano and other Bills defenders joined in the tackle attempt, resulting in Milano falling atop a pile of players. Visibly shaken up, Milano required assistance from athletic trainers to leave the field and was eventually carted off to the locker room.

Defensive end Leonard Floyd and Jaguars offensive lineman Walker Little also sustained injuries on the same play. While Floyd managed to return, Little’s status was uncertain due to a knee injury.

Rookie Dorian Williams stepped in for Milano, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top linebackers. Milano earned First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career last season. The 29-year-old linebacker has recorded 27 tackles, one interception, and two passes defended this season. The Bills signed Milano to a two-year contract extension through 2026 during the offseason.

Milano’s injury adds to the growing list of defensive setbacks for the Bills. Starting defensive end Greg Rousseau (foot), defensive end Shaq Lawson (toe), and starting cornerback Christian Benford (shoulder) are all inactive for the game. Additionally, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is doubtful to return due to a pectoral injury, and defensive end Kingsley Jonathan is also dealing with an injury.

Last week, the Bills suffered another blow when cornerback Tre’Davious White tore his right Achilles, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.