Milano returns, but Shakir leaves practice early

Orchard Park, NY (WGR550) - While one important player returned to the practice field for the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, another left early with an apparent injury.

Matt Milano was back in uniform for the first time since suffering a significant leg injury last October in London.

The team's starting weakside linebacker participated in a limited basis, running through some individual position drills, but did not take part in any of the offense vs. defense team segments.

Prior to practice, head coach Sean McDermott told the media that the plan is to see how the 2022 First Team All-Pro feels on a day-to-day basis, and if things progress well enough, he could be ready for the start of training camp in late July.

McDermott said “it’s big” to get Milano back on the field.

“Credit to Matt and what he’s been able to do with our training staff and the work he’s put in,” McDermott said. “He’s so focused. He was focused before this. I feel like he’s even more focused, if that’s even possible now, and wanting to get back out there for himself but also for his teammates.”

While Milano returned to practice, wide receiver Khalil Shakir left early after suffering what appeared to be some sort of lower body injury. Shakir took part in several individual reps at the beginning of the session, but following a 7-on-7 play, he was seen talking with trainers for quite a while before ultimately jogging off the field with an apparent limp.

“We kind of got hit with the injury bug here and that affects availability, which effects some of the development, building trust, especially if you’re a new player," McDermott said. "So we’re just dealing with it. We’ve had to cut back on some of the third group reps the last week or so.”

That list of players who did not participate due to some sort of injury included linebacker Dorian Williams, Eddie Ulofoshio, Nicholas Morrow, and Baylor Spector, as well as running backs Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, and fullback Reggie Gilliam

Milano, safety Mike Edwards, and offensive tackle Spencer Brown were all termed limited by McDermott, who noted that the only player on the roster who was not present at all was cornerback Christian Benford, who was excused for a personal matter the day.

The team will be back on the field Wednesday for another mandatory session.