The Buffalo Bills have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season through the first three games. Now, the Super Bowl contender could get All-Pro edge rusher Von Miller back in a matter of weeks.
After tearing his ACL on Thanksgiving Day last season, Miller put off surgery for several weeks. When it became clear he couldn’t return to the field in 2022, the future Hall of Famer underwent the procedure to repair his ACL. Now, he’s finally taking steps toward getting back on the field.
- Buffalo Bills defensive stats: 30% pressure rate (4th in NFL), 12 sacks (4th in NFL), 54.0 QB rating allowed (1st in NFL)
Related: 2023 NFL power rankings
While Buffalo was coy throughout the offseason regarding Miller’s recovery, it became clear he would start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. By putting him on the PUP list, the Bills would open up a roster spot with Miller sitting out the first four games of the season at a minimum.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Miller is poised to resume practicing with the Bills this coming week. Once he hits the practice field, Buffalo will have a five-week window to activate the All-Pro edge rusher and put him on the roster or shut him down for the season.
Importantly, per Schefter, there’s still no specific timeline for Miller’s return. He didn’t practice at all this summer and the organization wants to ensure he’s ready before he sees the field. As a result, Buffalo will slowly ease him back into practice and see how the surgically repaired knee responds, then make evaluations from there before eventually providing a timetable for his activation.
In Miller’s absence, other Bills’ defenders have stepped up. Entering Week 4, Buffalo has allowed the second-fewest total yards (253) and second-fewest points (11.7) per game. With their top pass rusher sidelined, Leonard Floyd (3.5 sacks) and linebacker Terrell Bernard (2 sacs, 2 interceptions) have become critical to the Bills’ defensive success.
- Von Miller stats (career): 245 QB hits, 164 tackles for loss, 123.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles in 161 games
In addition to Miller’s absence, Buffalo will take the field on Sunday without standout safety Jordan Poyer. With the Pro Bowl defensive back sidelined, Damar Hamlin is poised to play in his first regular-season game since he went into cardiac arrest on the field.
