Bills Advised to Cut Ties With Matt Milano After Latest Injury Setback
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Bills linebacker Matt Milano at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023.
The Buffalo Bills took a major hit during their loss to the New England Patriots when former Pro Bowl linebacker Matt Milano re-aggravated the pectoral injury that had kept him out for the previous two weeks.
Milano was not able to return to the game and faces the prospect of missing even more time, leading to calls for the team to cut ties with the oft-injured linebacker. Milano has missed significant stretches of the past several seasons while dealing with a string of major injuries, and now will be out indefinitely again.
Matt Milano’s Injury Woes
As Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News noted, Milano has been hit by one injury after another during his last two seasons.
“Milano now has missed the equivalent of three of the Bills’ five games this season, the continuation of a troubling trend that dates back to Week 5 of the 2023 season,” Skurski wrote. “It was during that season that Milano suffered a devastating leg injury in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, knocking him out for the remainder of the year. A torn bicep muscle suffered in training camp in summer 2024 sidelined Milano for the first 11 games of the regular season. He returned to play in three before missing another one because of a groin injury.”
Skurski noted that it has grown too difficult for the Bills to gameplan around having Milano on the field and could take steps toward cutting ties with him after the season.
“It’s time to start wondering if the team has [had enough of his injuries], too,” Skurski wrote. “The Bills reworked Milano’s contract in the offseason, shaving a year off it and making him an unrestricted free agent after this season. At 31, and with his recent injury history, it was very much a prove-it deal. As in, prove that he can stay healthy and be a difference-maker for the defense.”
Bills Share Praise for Matt Milano
The team has shown no sign of preparing to move on from Milano. Head coach Sean McDermott shared praise this week for the efforts he has taken to stay healthy and recover from his injuries while saying the team is ready to move up his replacement.
“He tweaked that pec in the game yesterday, so he’ll be week to week,” McDermott said. “Nobody works harder than Matt Milano to stay healthy. Right now it’s going to be next man up for this week.”
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich added that he’s in Milano’s corner, sharing his sympathy for the linebacker after the latest injury setback.
“I know it’s really tough on him,” said Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, who was Milano’s LB position coach in 2022 and 2023.
McDermott said Milano would avoid a trip to injured reserve, which could put his return back sometime after the team’s bye week following this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bills are also awaiting the return of defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who has been out since suffering a foot injury in practice after the team’s Week 1 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA DEFIES THE DOUBTERS: From ‘Replacing’ Joe Thuney to Becoming Mahomes' Rock-Solid Protector
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, stepping into the shoes of a legend is no easy feat. Kingsley Suamataia, a young and talented offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, was tasked with filling the massive void left by Joe Thuney’s departure. While many doubted his ability to protect superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Suamataia has proven the critics wrong.
“They said I couldn’t replace a player like Joe Thuney. They said I wouldn’t be able to protect Mahomes the way he did, but what’s the story now? I’ve faced that doubt every single day, and I’ve shown I deserve to be here. No one can make me doubt myself, especially when I know how much this team needs me. From now on, they’ll know I’m not just a replacement — I’m an essential part of this offensive line.”
These powerful words from Suamataia reflect a deep sense of determination and growth in his young career. Early in the season, Suamataia had to prove his worth after being thrust into the starting lineup. The pressure to succeed was immense, especially with Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, depending on his protection. Yet, Kingsley stepped up, never letting the weight of expectation get the best of him.
Rising Through the Challenges
When Suamataia first took over the left guard position, questions lingered. Could he fill the massive shoes of Joe Thuney, a Pro Bowl player with years of experience? Could he protect Mahomes, who is often running for his life behind a sometimes-shaky offensive line? The early days were far from smooth. There were struggles and mistakes, and some doubted his ability to adapt to the NFL’s fast pace. But rather than let these challenges break him, Suamataia used them as fuel.
Turning Doubts Into Motivation
As the season progressed, Kingsley began to show why he belonged in the NFL. He improved with each game, becoming a key figure in keeping Mahomes protected from relentless defenses. His pass-blocking grade soared, and his chemistry with the rest of the offensive line began to shine through. It was clear that Suamataia was no longer just filling in for a star player — he was becoming a star in his own right.
In fact, his recent performances have been nothing short of impressive. Against some of the toughest defensive lines in the league, Suamataia has kept his composure, and more importantly, he's given Mahomes the protection he needs to run the offense effectively. Suamataia has solidified himself as a crucial part of the Chiefs’ line, and Mahomes, more than ever, is confident with him as his protector.
Looking Ahead: Suamataia's Bright Future
The future looks bright for Kingsley Suamataia. He’s no longer seen as just a replacement for Joe Thuney — he’s a cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line, and his presence is vital to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. As the Chiefs continue their playoff push, Suamataia will undoubtedly remain a key player, protecting one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
“I’m not just here to fill a spot. I’m here to show that I belong at the highest level, and I’m going to continue to prove that every time I step on the field.”
With that mentality, Suamataia is ready to take his place as one of the NFL's top offensive linemen.
