Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott provided a positive update on three key starters during his Monday press conference. Linebacker Matt Milano, offensive tackle Spencer Brown, and defensive lineman Ed Oliver are all trending toward a possible return when the Bills host the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football, October 5.
“They’re all moving in the right direction,” McDermott said. “We’ll know more by Tuesday and Wednesday as to their status. It’s still a day-by-day process.”
Milano has missed the past two games with a pectoral injury, while Oliver has been sidelined for three weeks due to an ankle issue. Brown, who suffered a calf injury in Week 3, was limited in practice last week and listed as questionable ahead of the game against the Saints but ultimately didn’t play. Of the three, Brown appears most likely to return against New England, given he has already logged some practice time. Buffalo’s official Week 5 injury report will be released Wednesday, October 1.
Despite starting the season 4-0, the Bills have felt the absence of these key contributors. Josh Allen was sacked three times in the Week 4 win over New Orleans, the most he has been taken down in a single game this year, and Brown’s absence on the offensive line was noticeable. On defense, Milano remains one of Buffalo’s most versatile playmakers, while Oliver has been a dominant force up front throughout his career with 28 sacks. Their return would be a major boost on both sides of the ball.
This week also brings extra stakes, as Buffalo faces longtime rival New England. Since Tom Brady’s departure in 2019, the Bills hold an 8-3 record against the Patriots, with two of New England’s wins coming under unusual circumstances — a Week 18 game last season when Buffalo rested starters, and the infamous 2021 windstorm game where Mac Jones threw only three passes. Now led by Josh Allen and Sean McDermott, the Bills enter as favorites, though New England has shown improvement behind second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
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