Buffalo Rumblinks, 10/8: Why was Keon Coleman benched to start the Patriots game?

Plus, head coach Sean McDermott provides injury updates on LB Matt Milano, DB Dorian Strong, and DT Ed Oliver.

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What is the story about?

Many Buffalo Bills fans were curious when second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman was not on the field at the start of Buffalo’s home Sunday Night Football clash vs. the New England Patriots.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by hearing why head coach Sean McDermott opted to keep one of Josh Allen’s top weapons on the sidelines for the team’s prime time clash vs. their AFC East rivals.

Why was WR Keon Coleman benched for beginning of New England game?

On Monday, head coach Sean McDermott revealed that second-year wideout Keon Coleman was benched for disciplinary

reasons stemming from something he did during the days leading up to the game. In what McDermott described as “head coach discipline,” McDermott kept Coleman on the sidelines for Buffalo’s first drive, which ended when tight end Dawson Knox bobbled a handoff and fumbled the ball away.

“Well, we expect more,” McDermott said when asked by reporters if he was disappointed by Coleman’s actions. “And he has shown growth this year. He has. We’re looking for more consistency.”

It’s not the first time Coleman has been punished by McDermott for disciplinary reasons. Last year, Coleman was benched at the start of the team’s Week 3 home game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in London after being late for a team function.

The Bills remain a consensus Top 3 team

The Bills had company on Sunday in falling from the ranks of the undefeated, as earlier in the day, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles suffered their first loss, to the Denver Broncos. While the Bills fell slightly among most of the power rankings, they remain a consensus top three team in the NFL heading into Week 6.

Injury updates on LB Matt Milano, DB Dorian Strong, DT Ed Oliver

Starting linebacker Matt Milano re-aggravated his pectoral muscle during Sunday night’s loss to the Patriots and is considered “week-to-week,” according to Sean McDermott. Meanwhile, rookie defensive back Dorian Strong, who was placed on the injured reserve last week, is going to see a specialist about his neck injury.

Even more Bills news

Final thoughts on Buffalo’s humbling loss to New England; plus, what lessons can we learn about the Bills from their snap counts from Week 4; Buffalo is bringing back a familiar face at both linebacker and cornerback as depth on the practice squad; and does offensive coordinator Joe Brady think his team got “too cute” in the loss to New England.