The Buffalo Bills’ impressive 2-0 start has been overshadowed by early setbacks, particularly a wave of injuries impacting their linebacker corps.
Matt Milano, a crucial part of their defensive scheme, will miss a significant portion, if not all, of the season. This absence comes as a major blow, marking the second consecutive year Milano has faced such a setback.
Adding to their woes, linebacker Terrel Bernard suffered a pectoral injury during their Week 2 victory against the Miami Dolphins. While the team has yet to place him on injured reserve, the expectation is that Bernard will be sidelined for multiple games.
Coach McDermott: Terrel Bernard will be out multiple weeks. We still need to have some internal conversations regarding placing him on IR or not.
The “next man up” philosophy, championed by Head Coach Sean McDermott, faces a stern test with these key absences. Dorian Williams has stepped up admirably in Milano’s absence, while Baylon Spector filled in effectively for Bernard against Miami, showcasing his potential.
Spector’s performance, amassing 10 total tackles, tied with Damar Hamlin and Dorian Williams, offered a silver lining. However, the reliance on Spector and Williams for the foreseeable future highlights the Bills’ defensive vulnerability.
This situation may prompt the Bills to turn to a familiar face, fan-favorite Joe Andreessen. The Lancaster native, who impressed during training camp and preseason, could be called upon to bolster the depleted linebacker unit.
Andreessen’s standout performance in the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he led the team with 12 total tackles, demonstrated his readiness for the NFL stage. He looked like an NFL veteran against Pittsburgh’s starters.
With a Week 3 Monday night matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars looming, the Bills might just give Andreessen his regular season debut under the bright lights.