Alaina GetzenbergESPN3 Minute Reading
Swagu: Von Miller’s injury is a ‘big deal’ for the Bills
Marcus Spears explains why missing Von Miller for the first four games is a “huge deal” for the Bills.
He, at least, will not play against the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins.
Miller injured his right ACL on Thanksgiving in a game against the Detroit Lions. After initially hoping he could return for the 2022 regular season or postseason, he underwent exploratory knee surgery in December, where the extent of the damage was determined.
The 34-year-old signed with the Bills at the start of free agency in 2022, agreeing to a six-year, $120 million contract. He played in every game leading up to the injury and, despite playing in 11 games, finished the year tied for the team lead in sacks (eight) with Greg Rousseau and led the team with 38. coercion. He also led the team in pass rush win rate (23.6%) and pressure percentage (14.5%).
This offseason, the Bills added Miller’s former teammate in the pass-rush room with veteran Leonard Floyd. On Tuesday, Buffalo traded 2021 second-round pick Boogie Basham to the New York Giants, sources told ESPN, moving on from one of the team’s young pass-rushers in the rotation. Buffalo will rely on the likes of Floyd, 2021 first-round pick Rousseau and 2020 second-round pick AJ Epenesa in Miller’s absence.
Miller, an optimistic man, remains steadfast in his goal for his return to be the “Monday Night Football” season opener against the Jets on Sept. most days.
In 2013, Miller tore his left ACL, but he returned to start the 2014 season with the Denver Broncos.