ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott met with the media Tuesday before mandatory minicamp to provide an update on where the team stands with injuries.
Seven players did not participate, and three were limited as McDermott mentioned that the bulk of absences was "injury related."
"We've kind of got hit with the injury bug here," said McDermott. "That affects availability, that affects some of the development, building the trust especially if you are a new player, right... We've had to cut back on some of the third group reps over the last week or so and we may have to do the same today."
Despite several players being ruled out, McDermott was very hopeful for one of those players who has been on the injury report since last season.
Matt Milano, who sustained a season-ending injury to his right leg back in Week 5 of the 2023 season, is being eased back into practices as the Bills opened up their three-day Mandatory Minicamp, beginning by doing individual work Tuesday in Orchard Park.
If all goes well, McDermott says Milano will be available to practice in a more full capacity once the team opens training camp on July 24.
“Credit to Matt and what he’s been able to do with our training staff and the work he’s put in,” McDermott stated. “He’s so focused. He was focused before this. I feel like he’s even more focused, if that’s even possible now, in wanting to get back out there for himself, but also for his teammates.”