Fri Mar 07 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Bills’ Linebacker Duo Crucial Despite Injury Concerns

**Buffalo, NY** – The Buffalo Bills’ defensive success hinges heavily on the performance of their linebacker corps, particularly the starting duo of Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard. While considered one of the NFL’s strongest linebacker pairings, injuries hampered their availability throughout the 2024 season.

Milano, a former All-Pro, missed significant time due to an ACL tear and later a biceps injury, limiting his appearances to just four regular season games. Despite the setbacks, he remained crucial during the team’s postseason run. Bernard, meanwhile, impressively stepped into the middle linebacker role following Termaine Edmunds’ departure, even earning captain status. He also missed four games due to injury.

While both Milano and Bernard are highly effective three-down linebackers, their absences exposed a significant drop-off in the team’s defensive performance. Backup Dorian Williams filled in admirably at times, but struggled with consistency. Other reserves, including Joe Andreessen (who excelled on special teams), Baylon Spector, and Edefuan Ulofoshio, saw limited action.

Despite the linebacker depth issues, the Bills aren’t expected to prioritize the position in this year’s draft. Milano and Bernard remain the unquestioned starters, with Williams providing adequate depth. The team might consider drafting a linebacker if a potential long-term replacement for the aging Milano presents itself, but other roster needs will likely take precedence. Milano’s age and injury history, however, do present a question mark for the future.

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