Ahead of the regular season starting in September, one of the Buffalo Bills' top priorities is simply getting back to full strength.
They took another step towards that goal on Tuesday, activating linebacker Tyler Matakevich from the physically unable to perform list. His exact injury was never revealed, but he is back in action now.
A 2016 seventh-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Matakevich has been a depth player for essentially his entire career. He has played in 112 NFL games, but his only career start came with the Steelers in 2018. In seven seasons, Matakevich has 125 total tackles, four passes defended and one interception.
Despite his seemingly minimal role in the defense, Matakevich is still an important cog in the Bills' machine thanks to his role on special teams. In each of his three seasons in Buffalo, Matakevich has played at least 75 percent of special teams snaps in games he was available. Considering he has only missed one game in that time, his role on special teams cannot be understated.
This offseason, the Bills signed Matakevich to a one-year extension worth $1.165 million.
With Matakevich coming off the PUP list, the only Bills player who remains on it is star linebacker Von Miller. The future Hall of Fame pass-rusher had an impressive first season in Buffalo, but tore his ACL in the Bills win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. The exact timeline for Miller's return is uncertain, but there is optimism he could return in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
The Bills activated defensive lineman Jordan Phillips, who began training camp on the PUP list alongside Matakevich and Miller, on Aug. 6.
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