Bills call Milano a 'special player' as he returns to practice
Nov 27, 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Matt Milano was listed as a full practice participant for the first time since injuring his bicep in the preseason. He spent the first 10 weeks on the Bills' injured reserve list, but is now in his 21-day practice window to make his return.
Milano did not play in Week 11's win over the Chiefs, and his status for this Sunday is still unknown. Although, signs are pointing in the right direction that he may be good to go against the 49ers.
With his return to practice, Milano's teammates talked about how he's already made an impact. While many of Milano's teammates gave him praise for his comeback from injury, Rasul Douglas pointed out a downside about sharing the field again with the All-Pro.
"He stole my pick today," Douglas jokingly said. "We all know he's a hell of a player. I was watching him before I got here, how he just impacts the game and how he's like a turnover machine. He's a hell of a player."
Milano is no stranger to injuries, dealing with them since beginning his NFL career. Since becoming a starter in his 2018, Milano has yet to play a full regular season of games.
Terrel Bernard has played alongside Milano since 2022, seeing his fellow linebacker work through injuries. He gave him credit for what he's been able to overcome.
"He looks good, you know, it's what we expect," Bernard said. "He's worked hard the past year, year and a half, to get himself ready to play. He's where he was when he left off, if not better. I think just his communication, his energy, his effort when he's out there has been great."
Outside of what Milano brings to the team during games, Greg Rousseau touched on what it's like to have him back at practice.
"Obviously, he's an All-Pro, special player, best of the best. But just having him out there, being able to laugh with him, joke with him, it means everything to us. We're blessed and happy to have him here," Rousseau said.
Regardless if Milano makes his return to the field on Sunday, his teammates seem to enjoy having him back in full capacity.
"Any time you get a player like that, a person like that, back on the field just around the team, it's a good feeling," Bernard said. "Like I said before, he's done it at a high level for a long time, and he's been a huge part of the success here in recent years. So to have him back out there as a teammate, as a friend on a personal level, it's a great feeling. I'm excited to get back to work with him."