Bills All-Pro cornerback warns opponents of Matt Milano’s return

Their absence was glaring during the Buffalo Bills’ playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Starting linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard certainly would have helped the Bills better contain Travis Kelce and Co. in what ended as a 27-24 victory for the visiting Chiefs.

The good news is, as starting cornerback Taron Johnson pointed out, Milano and Bernard were both back on the field during mandatory minicamp.

“It’s great to see Matt out there, you know what I’m saying? He’s been injured for a while, so I’m just happy to see him back out there,” Johnson said during a media scrum captured by WGR 550 radio.

Coming off an All-Pro selection, Milano suffered a season-ending injury during a Week 5 game of the International Series against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded two interceptions and forced a fumble in the first 4+ appearances in 2023.

Milano, soon to be 30, who has a nose for stifling running backs and can cover opposing tight ends on passing plays, gives the Bills a proven player in the center of their defense.

“Matt’s presence will only make us more dangerous,” Johnson said.

Then there is the tuberculosis factor. Taking a big step forward in his second season as a professional, Bernard quickly became a reliable communicator and defensive leader alongside Milano and Johnson.

“Me and TB played the entire season together last year, and I feel like our connection is only going to get better,” Johnson said.

If all three stay healthy, Buffalo’s defense will look much more formidable than the one that failed in January against the Chiefs at Orchard Park.

The Bills report to training camp July 23 in Rochester.