Dion Dawkins took the news hard, but his faith in the Buffalo Bills did not wane.
When reporters shared the official news of Matt Milano’s injury, Buffalo’s reliable left tackle was visibly disappointed in his popular teammate.
“Milano and I were drafted at the same time and we’ve been there every step of the way. He’s been through a few injuries now and the journey has gotten a little bit tougher now,” Dawkins said. “He’ll come back and fight through it.”
Dawkins and Milano were both members of Buffalo’s 2017 draft class, the first under Sean McDermott’s direction, and became driving forces behind the Bills’ renaissance, which resulted in six playoff appearances in seven years.
Moving forward without Milano creates a void on the field at a key position as well as a leadership void in the locker room, but Dawkins maintains the Bills have the right answers to both problems.
First, replacing Milano’s performance is a difficult task, but Dawkins has no doubts about linebacker Dorian Williams, who is in his second year.
“He’s flying around here. He had a great practice today. He made noise. He made his presence felt,” Dawkins said after the team’s joint practice against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I think he’s ready for whatever task is in front of him. Whatever it is, whatever it is, that’s what coach is preparing us for.”
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As for the leadership provided by Milano, Dawkins said the Bills have enough character to collectively compensate for the temporary loss.
“I don’t want to downplay the loss of Milano, but the team is full of leaders. We will feel his presence is missing, but in terms of his say, the other leaders will have more weight,” said Dawkins.
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