The Buffalo Bills’ defense is facing another major setback.

Matt Milano, a former All-Pro linebacker, has sustained a torn biceps and will be sidelined indefinitely, as confirmed by Bills coach Sean McDermott on Thursday. He is set to undergo surgery and is hopeful for a potential return late in the season, according to Schefter.

Milano, who is 30 years old, injured himself during a practice session on Tuesday, which he had to leave early after participating in positional drills.

“It was merely a tackling drill. He was engaging with a tackling bag when he hurt his arm,” McDermott explained. “At the end of the day, we’re all human. Matt is an outstanding football player, but beyond that, he’s also an incredible young man with a great mindset.”

This marks Milano’s second major injury in under a year, having previously fractured his leg in Week 5 last season.

“Knowing Matt as a person, I’m confident this won’t keep him down,” McDermott stated. “This is a challenging time for both him and the team. No one truly understands the effort Matt put in to recover from his earlier injury. Witnessing him work tirelessly to return from his leg injury only to face another setback is incredibly tough.”

“It’s unfortunate, but I’m sure he’ll manage this situation well.”

Since arriving in Buffalo with McDermott in 2017, Milano has been a key component of the team’s defense. He had a standout year in 2022, which earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors.

This injury adds to the challenges faced by a Bills defense that has seen significant changes this offseason. The team is set to be without three key players: safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre’Davious White, the latter two having been released for salary cap reasons.

Additionally, Bobby Babich will take over as the defensive coordinator, following McDermott’s role as the defensive play-caller in 2023.