The Buffalo Bills signed Von Miller in 2022 with the hope that he could help the franchise win a Super Bowl. One year later, the Bills still haven’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy and there is now concern Miller could miss the start of the 2023 season.
Miller, age 34, suffered a knee injury on Nov. 24 against the Detroit Lions. Buffalo placed him on injured reserve, holding out hope he would return for the NFL playoffs. However, tests a week later determined he suffered an ACL tear and he underwent surgery in early December.
Because of the delayed surgery and his age, there is now a possibility that Miller’s recovery sidelines him for the start of the regular season this fall.
Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic suggests that Buffalo could place Miller on the PUP list to begin the season. The move would be motivated by long-term thinking, wanting to ensure he’s healthy for a playoff push and to avoid rushing him back as he recovers from knee surgery in his mid-30s.
Miller’s absence had a significant impact on the Bills’ defense. From Weeks 1-10, opponents averaged a 75.7 QB rating with a 9-13 TD-INT ratio and a 64.3 percent completion range. In Weeks 13-18, the average QB rating rose to 81.8 and quarterbacks posted a 7-4 TD-INT line.
Even in his 30s, Miller remains one of the most impactful edge rushers in the NFL. He proved especially crucial in critical moments, with five of his eight sacks coming in the second half of games. If Buffalo places him on the PUP list, Miller would miss at least four games.
The missed time could also influence Miller’s ascension up the NFL career sack leaders. Entering 2023, he ranks 19th all-time and is within striking distance of Dwight Freeney (125.5), Derrick Thomas (126.5) and Rickey Jackson (128). The lost time might also diminish his chances of eventually surpassing Lawrence Taylor (142) and Michael Strahan (141.5).
With the Miami Dolphins emerging as a Super Bowl contender and the New York Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers, the AFC East will be more challenging in 2023. If Miller misses time, it opens the door for Miami and New York to overtake Buffalo in the NFL standings early in the season.
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