ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Checking the progress at training camp of key Buffalo Bills defensive players returning from major injuries has been atop the to-do list the last few years.
First it was Tre'Davious White and a year ago Von Miller.
Matt Milano's in my sights this time around, though it already seems his progress far ahead of where those other two were at St. John Fisher.
Milano suffered a season-ending leg injury week five in London. While initially Sean McDermott said this spring not to expect to see Milano on the field until camp, their No. 58 was participating in linebacker drills during mandatory minicamp.
Now the Bills head coach believes that his former All-Pro could be ready to ramp up at the same pace as the rest of the team as the days progress in Pittsford.
Of course, that's not a certainty.
This team has always taken a cautious, long-term approach when it comes to injuries. That is especially true coming back from something this major, even more so this time of year.
When on the field, the eye test definitely will be on, looking to see how Milano cuts, what sort of burst he has, and if he's back in the mix making plays as we've grown accustom to.
It's rare for any player to return and be their old self immediately, so I'm not sure it's fair to have those expectations, especially over just about three weeks of camp.
Instead, also hone in on the chemistry growing between Milano and Terrel Bernard, who have less than five full games experience together.
Whether in tandem or flying solo, Matt Milano's health certainly something in the spotlight at St. John Fisher.