Life without Matt Milano

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JUNE 11: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills walks off the field after Buffalo Bills mandatory mini camp on June 11, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

After a brutal leg injury in 2023, the Bills were excited to get Matt Milano back in the fold this year. Then the All-Pro linebacker sustained a bicep injury and his return is not exactly clear. When will he be back? He is considered “out indefinitely to start the season

In the meantime, it will be Dorain Williams’ chance to prove his place in the NFL. The 2023 third-round pick out of the Tulane is the next-man up.

Who plays the most snaps at safety next to Taylor Rapp?

Injured Bills Cole Bishop and Mike Edwards hit the conditioning bikes as they watch practice from the sidelines.

The starting safety position next to Taylor Rapp has been up for grabs throughout the summer. The battle has mainly been between Damar Hamlin, Mike Edwards and second-round rookie Cole Bishop. At various times, all three sustained injuries which really clouded this positional group.

Adding to that: Lewis Cine. A former first-round pick who has seen plenty of injury himself to start his career was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad. Could he make a push?

This answer could easily change throughout the upcoming season, too.

…and Taylor Rapp?

Bills defensive back Taylor Rapp.

And speaking of Rapp… he was essentially handed the keys to one of Buffalo’s starting safety spot following the departures of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Was that the right decision?

Is Von back?

Bills edge Von Miller throws aside a blocking sled during drills.

Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa will likely lead the pass rush for the Bills… or at least see plenty of the snaps. Buffalo is still eager to see what Von Miller has left in the tank.

Miller returned from an ACL injury in 2023 but never looked right. Most medical experts and sports clubs insist that it takes a player up to two years to fully recover from such a serious issue. The Bills have been no different, sending out that same party line. Is the 35-year-old able to prove his team right?

The cornerback rotation

Bills defensive back Kaiir Elam high steps as he warms up.

At various points throughout training camp and the preseason a rotation has occured at cornerback for the Bills. Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas could be written in as the two starting outside cornerbacks but former first-round pick Kaiir Elam still continues to get huge levels of support from the coaching staff and front office. Does Elam finally get himself an opportunity to have a breakout year?

Bernard is back?

(Getty)

Terrell Bernard burst onto the scene in 2023. It was a breakout year no one saw coming… but it’s never a guarantee a player will follow that up. Can Bernard in 2024?

Babich calling plays

Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich sports his Slobber Knocker of the Week t-shirt during the Buffalo Bills training camp Monday, Sept. 5, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.

We finally got the answer to one of the biggest questions that has been asked since the Bills promoted Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator. Who will call plays for the defense? Babich reportedly will, but it was never clear cut. There was always a chance that the head coach still would… but Babich will for now. McDermott could always change his mind.