Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams has found himself in a big role in year two.

Williams, a 2023 third-rounder out of Tulane, was projected to be a top reserve linebacker for the Bills this year. A training camp injury to starting linebacker Matt Milano changed the course of Williams’ season.

Thrust into a starting role from Week 1, Williams has now had five consecutive starts to begin the year. It’s near-impossible to replace the production from the former All-Pro Milano, but Williams has shined so far.

While Williams has started to his his stride, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott complimented him even earlier.

“I thought he did a good job,” McDermott said after Williams’ first start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.

He enters Week 6’s matchup against the New York Jets (2-3) tied for the league lead in tackles (54). He posted 11 solo tackles in his last game. Williams is flying around the field, using his instincts, and making solid tackles. The way he finishes plays is reminiscent of Milano.

When asked about his play this year in Thursday’s post-practice press conference, Williams was appreciative of the support around him.

“Learning every week, taking what everybody has to say into account. I think it has helped a lot, for sure,” he said.

Williams was transparent in saying he wasn’t prepared to see much time during his rookie year, but fellow linebacker and team captain Terrel Bernard reassured him that his time would come.

“Last year I did come in a little under the bar I think,” Williams said. “[Bernard told me] ‘learn every day… my first year I didn’t really know what was going on either’. Once he told me that, I understood what was expected out of me. I took the offseason to learn a lot. They let me keep my iPad so I studied all summer and it’s all starting to click now, for sure.”

In 2023, Williams started just two games for the Bills. Now, he is looking like he could be the long-term answer at weakside linebacker given Milano’s health struggles. Milano will take his job back when he’s ready to go later this season, but Williams is taking the opportunity in front of him and running with it for now.