Bills activate LB Milano off IR before game against 49ers

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have activated starting linebacker Matt Milano off injured reserve hours before their game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

Milano missed the past three games and four weeks with a partially torn pectoral muscle. He was initially hurt during a 30-23 win at Las Vegas in Week 4 and missed the next two games. He then saw limited playing time in two games before being placed on IR.

Milano returned to practice last week along with backup linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who remains on IR because of a hamstring injury that will lead him to miss his sixth straight game.

Milano has been a key contributor for Buffalo in playing the weak-side linebacker position, where he's versatile enough to defend against the run and the pass.

The AFC East-leading Bills (8-3) are playing the 49ers (5-6) at their temporary home in Arizona. San Francisco was forced to relocate after Santa Clara County banned contact sports teams from holding games and practices for the next three weeks.

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL