The Buffalo Bills will once again have to make due without the backbone of their defense with linebacker Matt Milano out indefinitely and expected to miss at least the first few months of the season with a torn left biceps.

Bills coach Sean McDermott called it “an unfortunate situation,” in providing the update on Milano on Thursday before Buffalo opened a joint practice at the Steelers’ facility. The teams will then meet in a preseason game at Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Milano was hurt when it appeared his arm was hit during a routine tackling drill on Tuesday. He is scheduled to have surgery and, barring complications, has a chance to return by December.

The injury is the latest setback for the 30-year-old. Milano was being eased back since being cleared to resume practice in mid-June after recovering from a broken right leg, which forced him to miss the final 12 games of last season.

Falcons get pro bowl edge rusher >> The Atlanta Falcons acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots for a third-round draft pick.

The teams announced the trade on Thursday.

Judon had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots before finishing with four in four games last year, when he was limited by injuries.

Judon became available because of a contract dispute. He has a base salary of $6.5 million this season and is seeking a new deal.

Cowboys trade for Giants dt Phillips >> The Dallas Cowboys are acquiring veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips from the New York Giants in a trade also involving two 2026 draft picks.

The Cowboys are also signing former Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets edge rusher Carl Lawson.

“These guys have played, they got pelts on the wall,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said.

The team said the deal for Phillips was expected to be finalized Thursday. The Cowboys are also getting a seventh-round pick in 2026 while the Giants will get a sixth-round choice.

Browns WR Cooper leaves practice with injury >> Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper left Thursday’s joint practice against the Minnesota Vikings early with an unspecified injury.

Coach Kevin Stefanski only said “sore” when asked about Cooper’s injury following the workout.

Cooper caught a short pass from Deshaun Watson and could be heard yelling after he planted and cut on the grass. Cooper stayed on the field for several more plays before walking to the facility accompanied by a trainer.

The 30-year-old Cooper caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards last season for the Browns, who restructured his contract at the start of training camp. Cooper is one of Cleveland’s top players and team leaders.