ORCHARD PARK– Matt Milano’s teammates enjoy criticizing the Buffalo Bills linebacker for his reserved and seemingly brooding nature, questioning his all-black wardrobe and choice of music, and speculating whether he could have been cast in the series MTV. “Jersey Shore” due to his rugged appearance and neatly trimmed beard.

The conversation gets serious, however, when recounting the impact the 2022 All-Pro has consistently had on the field since getting a job during his 2017 rookie season. And then there’s the respect that Bills players have for what Milano has endured over the past 13 months while rehabbing after breaking his right leg in Week 5 of last year and tearing his left bicep in August.

“You’re talking about a guy who took a trip, right?” I’ve been going through what he went through for two years now. Coach Sean McDermott said. “He’s so resilient. He is persistent. He has a goal. And he’s worked hard to get back to where he is.

As the AFC East-leading Bills (9-2) enter their bye week following a 30-21 victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, Milano was expected to remain in Buffalo with an assortment of injured players. ‘training to the team as he prepares for his long-awaited return.

Cleared to practice on November 11, Milan could receive the green light to play when Buffalo hosts the San Francisco 49ers in a prime-time outing on December 1.

McDermott plans to take it slow by returning Milano to his familiar spot alongside Terrel Bernard in Buffalo’s two-linebacker defensive ensemble.

Milan has been a welcome presence on the sidelines during home and away games this season, something he was unable to do last year due to the severity of his injury. And his recent practice debut has given the Bills an even bigger boost.

“One of the best linebackers in the league. Just having him back in the training window definitely boosts team morale. » said edge rusher Von Miller. “He’s a running back on defense. He’s fast. He’s fast. He’s smart.

Milan’s return even caught the attention of quarterback Josh Allen.

“For a guy who has been through a lot of injuries over the last few years, and who never looked down or said, ‘poor me,’ he continued to work extremely hard,” Allen said. “I’m very excited about his return, because he deserves it.”

Although relatively undersized by NFL linebacker standards (6 feet, 233 pounds), Milano has dual-threat ability, with sideline-to-sideline speed making him capable of defending against the run or dropping back in the cover.

His absence last year partly contributed to the Bills’ midseason struggles. Including the loss to Jacksonville in the game in which Milano was injured, Buffalo went 3-5 before winning its final five games to finish 11-6 and clinch its fourth straight division title.

And Milano’s absence coupled with Bernard being sidelined with an ankle injury could have been the difference in Buffalo’s 27-24 divisional round playoff loss to the Chiefs. The Bills were instead forced to start AJ Klein, who was brought back from semi-retirement, and Tyrel Dodson, who took over after Milano was injured.

Currently boasting their best 11-game record since 1992, the Bills appear to be in better health coming out of their hiatus.

Besides Milan, defensive end Dawuane Smoot and rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter are both close to returning from wrist injuries. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman (right wrist) is expected to return after missing two games, and receiver Amari Cooper’s left wrist, which was in a cast Sunday, is expected to be improved. Then there are tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) and right tackle Spencer Brown (ankle), who can use the extra week to heal after not playing against the Chiefs.

As encouraging as that may sound, McDermott expressed caution, noting how an influx of new bodies could initially disrupt the rhythm the team enjoyed. On the positive side, he noted, injuries have allowed various youngsters and backups to gain valuable playing experience.

Bernard, for his part, can’t wait to find his playing partner, Milano, at his side.

“It’s been exciting, man, seeing him on the sidelines, being in practice, having the opportunity to be right next to him, communicating and getting back into the swing of things.” said Bernard. “It will be good for us and good for the team.”

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