Snowfall is being forecasted in Orchard Park, New York for Sunday night's showdown against the 49ers, and so too is the return of Buffalo's All-Pro linebacker.
The Bills are activating Matt Milano (biceps) off injured reserve and he will make his long-awaited return against San Francisco, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per a source. Buffalo has since announced Milano's activation.
Milano, who was a full participant in practice through the week, is set to play in his first game in more than a year after battling through two major injuries.
Milano tore his biceps during training camp, a brutal blow considering the seven-year veteran was looking to come back from knee and leg injuries that ended his 2023 campaign in Week 5.
A midseason return was indefinite upon the initial diagnosis of his torn biceps, but Milano is ready to rejoin the Bills for the home stretch of the 2024 season. From the jump, Milano will look to help lock in the club's fifth consecutive AFC East title with a win over the 49ers.
Milano's return should boost a Bills defense that has played solidly during his absence in 2024. Thanks in part to a Josh Allen-led offense minimizing turnovers, the Bills own the best turnover differential in the league (+14) with 21 takeaways by the defense. The unit has also held opponents to 19.5 points per game, ranking seventh in the NFL.
In Milano's last full season in 2022 he earned his first All-Pro honor after producing 99 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions (one pick-six), 11 pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries.
With a snowy setting expected at Highmark Stadium for a prime-time affair, the stage is set for a memorable evening against one of the NFC's perennial contenders. Milano's return only adds to that excitement for Buffalo.
The Bills (9-2) and 49ers (5-6) are scheduled to kick off on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.