Buffalo Bills All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones are set to have surgery on the injuries that knocked them out of Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, coach Sean McDermott announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
Milano (knee) and Jones (pectoral injury) left Sunday’s game in London during the first half with their respective injuries.
McDermott said he doesn’t know if the injuries are season-ending yet but that both players will miss time.
Milano is coming off an All-Pro season and is tied for second in the NFL with two interceptions this season.
A major hit to the Bills’ defense
Losing Milano and Jones for the foreseeable future is a crushing blow to a defense that was playing as well as any team’s this season. Although the focal point of the Bills’ operation is their defensive line, Milano was the glue that brought it all together. The way he pairs his recognition of plays and instincts with speed, strength, and physicality makes him one of the most multidimensional and impactful linebackers in the NFL. And without Milano, the Bills will likely need to go with nearly complete inexperience at linebacker. — Joe Buscaglia, Buffalo Bills writer
Who will fill in?
Terrel Bernard is now their steadying hand, despite only having started six games, five of which came this season. Rookie Dorian Williams is Milano’s direct backup, but he was replaced in-game by Tyrel Dodson. Dodson has five starts over the last three seasons, but he’s mostly been a special teams asset. The Bills could also utilize veteran practice squad linebacker A.J. Klein in a starting role, as he has a lot of experience in McDermott’s scheme. However, the team released him after the preseason, only bringing him back after Christian Kirksey retired. If nothing stands out in the coming weeks, it could force the Bills to make a move at linebacker.
The same goes for Jones, who was one of their most impactful run defenders in 2022 and added an elite pass-rushing component to his game in 2023. Jones was constantly winning one-on-ones during the first four weeks that blew up opponent’s plays, and paired quite well to make a dynamic interior pass-rushing duo with starting defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Now Jones will have to be replaced by one of Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, or Poona Ford, who can help as pass rushers. However, none of that trio is the run-stuffing asset that Jones has been since he signed as a free agent in 2022. The Bills run defense struggled mightily in the only game Jones did not play last season, which was their playoff loss to the Bengals. — Buscaglia
Required reading
(Photo: Peter Nicholls / Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills suffered a major blow to their defense with the injuries to Matt Milano and DaQuan Jones. Milano, an All-Pro linebacker, and Jones, a key defensive tackle, will both require surgery for their injuries sustained during Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This loss will have a significant impact on the Bills’ defense, which has been performing exceptionally well this season.
Matt Milano’s absence will be sorely felt by the Bills. He was instrumental in bringing together the defensive line and his combination of play recognition, instincts, speed, strength, and physicality made him one of the most versatile and impactful linebackers in the NFL. Without Milano, the Bills will have to rely on inexperienced linebackers to fill the void.
Terrel Bernard, who has started six games, including five this season, will be expected to step up and provide stability in Milano’s absence. Rookie Dorian Williams is Milano’s direct backup but was replaced during the game by Tyrel Dodson, who has primarily been a special teams asset. The Bills may also consider utilizing veteran practice squad linebacker A.J. Klein, who has experience in coach Sean McDermott’s defensive scheme. However, if no standout performances emerge in the coming weeks, the Bills may need to make a move to strengthen their linebacker position.
DaQuan Jones’ injury is equally concerning for the Bills. He has been a crucial run defender and has recently added an elite pass-rushing element to his game. Jones’ ability to disrupt plays and form a dynamic interior pass-rushing duo with Ed Oliver has been instrumental to the Bills’ success. The Bills will now have to rely on Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, or Poona Ford to fill Jones’ shoes. While they can contribute as pass rushers, none of them possess the same run-stuffing prowess as Jones. The Bills’ run defense struggled significantly in the only game Jones missed last season, which resulted in their playoff loss to the Bengals.
The absence of Milano and Jones will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for the Bills’ defense. Their injuries will require surgery, and while the exact timeline for their return is uncertain, they will both miss considerable playing time. The Bills will need to rely on their depth and find suitable replacements to maintain their defensive prowess.
In conclusion, the injuries to Matt Milano and DaQuan Jones are a major setback for the Buffalo Bills’ defense. Milano’s versatility and impact as a linebacker will be sorely missed, while Jones’ run-stuffing ability and pass-rushing prowess will be difficult to replicate. The Bills will need to rely on inexperienced linebackers and alternative options on the defensive line to fill the void left by these key players. It remains to be seen how the Bills will adapt to these injuries and maintain their defensive dominance moving forward.