Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott provided updates on several players’ injuries and personnel moves following the team’s Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots.
Linebacker Matt Milano re-injured his pectoral muscle, which had kept him out of the previous two games. Milano exited during the second half and did not return. Shaq Thompson replaced him for the remainder of the game. “He tweaked that pec in the game yesterday, so he’ll be week to week,” McDermott said. The coach does not expect Milano will need to go on injured reserve at this time. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich commented on Milano’s situation: “I know it’s really tough on him.” Both McDermott and Babich highlighted Milano’s effort and dedication. “Nobody works harder than Matt Milano to stay healthy,” said McDermott. “Right now it’s going to be next man up for this week.”
Rookie cornerback Dorian Strong was placed on injured reserve Saturday due to a neck injury, meaning he will miss at least four games. Strong is scheduled to see a neck specialist this week as he and the team’s training staff seek more information about his condition. “I don’t know much other than I don’t think anything at this point can be ruled out. So we’ll see where it goes,” McDermott said.
No decisions have been made yet regarding potential returns from injured reserve for cornerback Maxwell Hairston, offensive lineman Tylan Grable, or kicker Tyler Bass ahead of Week 6 against Atlanta.
Defensive tackles Ed Oliver (ankle) and rookie T.J. Sanders (knee) missed Sunday’s game against New England. Sanders’ knee issue limited him late in practice last week; it was his first absence of the season. McDermott stated he is “not ruling out” Sanders for Week 6 but will monitor his progress through practice sessions this week. The coach used “hopeful” to describe Ed Oliver’s chances of returning Monday night against Atlanta.
Center Connor McGovern briefly left Sunday’s game with a hand injury but returned quickly without missing an offensive snap after treatment from medical staff during a break between series. “Hurt his hand during the game and we’ll be hopeful that he can go this week,” said McDermott.
Reporters also asked about quarterback Josh Allen and tight end Dalton Kincaid after TV footage showed Allen landing awkwardly during a scramble and Kincaid flexing his wrist after a reception late in the game. The coach reported no significant concerns beyond general soreness for both players: “As you saw, (Josh) took some shots there, and he plays extremely hard, but just sore overall at this point.” Regarding Kincaid: “He’s sore as well, dealing with just some overall body soreness.”
Wide receiver Keon Coleman did not play during the first quarter against New England because of disciplinary reasons described by McDermott as “head coach discipline.” The team seeks greater consistency from Coleman: “Growth and maturation. That leads to consistency more than anything,” McDermott said. Coleman later caught a two-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo was signed to Buffalo’s active roster before Week 5 and played in his first NFL game Sunday night. Of Ciarlo’s approach, McDermott said: “Jimmy’s approach every week, every day. He’s one of the first ones in, then the last to leave… He’s got great energy every day, no matter if he’s up for a game or not up for a game… His character, football is important to him, and he’s a big time team player, so I’m happy for him.”
