Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Buffalo Bills Receive Tough Injury Update on Star Player Following Loss to Patriots

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 12:49 PM ET

The Buffalo Bills entered Sunday night’s matchup against AFC East rival New England Patriots as the last remaining unbeaten team in the NFL, but their streak ended with a 23-20 upset loss.

Buffalo made several costly mistakes, including three turnovers, but credit also goes to the Patriots, who delivered a gutsy road performance to beat a team widely considered one of the NFL’s best.

Ahead of Week 6, the Bills received some unfortunate news regarding star linebacker Matt Milano. He left Sunday’s game with a pectoral injury and is now listed as “week to week” by head coach Sean McDermott.

“He tweaked that pec in the game yesterday, so he'll be week to week,” McDermott said. “Nobody works harder than Matt Milano to stay healthy. Right now it’s going to be next man up for this week.”

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott.© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Bachich commented on Matt Milano’s injury, saying, “I know it’s really tough on him.”

Bachich previously served as Milano’s linebacker coach in Buffalo during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before being promoted to defensive coordinator.

Milano recorded six combined tackles before exiting against the Patriots and has totaled 15 tackles and one sack through three games this season.

LB Matt Milano (Right Pectoral)

Looking back at the game film, missed his true last play.

On both plays tackling Drake Maye, he wraps up with his right arm.

1st play is rather mild, 2nd play really tweaked his R arm. More likely the 2nd play is what ended his night. pic.twitter.com/s4RnFthXc2
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) October 6, 2025

In addition, the Bills placed rookie cornerback Dorian Strong on injured reserve following the Week 5 loss due to a neck injury. Strong will now miss a minimum of four games and is scheduled to see a neck specialist, according to McDermott.

“I don’t know much other than I don’t think anything at this point can be ruled out. So we’ll see where it goes,” McDermott said regarding Strong.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: