Buffalo Bills: Matt Milano inactive for Week 5 against the Chiefs

The Buffalo Bills are going to be without a key part of their defense in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs

The Buffalo Bills are just a few hours away from the biggest game of the regular season to date. While it is only Week 5, this game will likely carry significant playoff implications later this year.

Unfortunately for the Bills, they are going to be without a key part of their defense with linebacker Matt Milano inactive for tonight’s game. There was some optimism that he could play after being listed as questionable on Friday. However, the hamstring injury from last week’s game was still bothering Milano and he will miss the game tonight.

Milano has been probably the best defensive player on the Buffalo Bills this season and his absences will be magnified even more considering the Chiefs have one of the best tight ends in the game in Travis Kelce. The reason this is a concern is that Milano is one of the better linebackers in the NFL in terms of pass coverage.

The Buffalo Bills are likely now going to turn to A.J. Klein to replace Milano in the starting lineup however he doesn’t do as well in pass coverage. This means the coaching staff may try to bring safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer closer to the line to guard the Chiefs tight end.

Two defensive tackles also inactive for the Buffalo Bills

The other inactives for the Buffalo Bills aren’t too surprising as a majority of these players have been inactive most of the season. This group includes running back Matt Breida, offensive tackle Tommy Doyle and defensive tackles Harrison Phillips and Vernon Butler.

The fact the team had two defensive tackles inactive is noteworthy because this leaves only three active for tonight’s game with Star Lotulelei, Ed Oliver and Justin Zimmer. This could signal the Bills trying to rotate Efe Obada or Boogie Basham inside, particularly on passing downs.

The good news for the Buffalo Bills though is the other two players who were questionable, running back Taiwan Jones and defensive end A.J. Epenesa are active. Both players are expected to play key roles on Sunday night with Jones on special teams and Epenesa as part of the rotation at defensive end.