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Von Miller talks missing games despite being medically cleared

Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Von Miller addresses missing first four games despite being medically cleared

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 9/6/23

Although his knee was medically cleared when the Buffalo Bills left him on the physically unable to perform list, All-Pro edge-rusher Von Miller says the team made the right call in holding him out of the first four games of the 2023 season.

Per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Miller stated it was general manager Brandon Beane’s call to allot Miller the four extra weeks to recover and prepare to return to action for the first time since tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions last Thanksgiving.

“Physically I feel good,” Miller told Anderson. “I just needed more time for football in general, not necessarily my knee. Ultimately, it wasn’t my decision and that’s what makes Brandon Beane the best GM in all of sports. I trust the Bills like no other team that I’ve been on…I feel good, I just needed more time for my overall health.”

#Bills’ Von Miller says his knee was cleared before the deadline to activate him off PUP but there were several steps left to be ready for Week 1. Says it wasn’t his decision to stay on PUP but understands why it was made. Isn’t sure if he’ll be back Week 5 when eligible.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 6, 2023

While Miller is a key cog in Buffalo’s defense, the team can likely make do without him with A.J. Epenesa, Leonard Floyd, Shaq Lawson and Gregory Rousseau shouldering the load for the pass rush through the first month of the season where losses aren't as detrimental as they are in November and December.

Preserving Miller’s health long-term is the best course of action for the Bills with a daunting schedule down the stretch against several top quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow, Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa.

“The thing that I feel Beane is good at, is that he is able to see Von as a whole,” Miller added. “Even though I feel good, he’s able to make those important decisions like he’s been doing. He’s the best GM in all of sports. … It’s just four more weeks. I waited this long. I can wait four more weeks.”

Miller was on a heater in his first season with the Bills before the injury derailed his season. The 34-year-old had eight sacks in 11 games and was on pace for his eighth season of double-digit sacks in his 11-year career.

Despite missing the final six games of 2022, Miller still tied for the team lead in sacks, led the Bills in pressures (45) and hurries (33), per Pro Football Focus, and he finished second on the team in tackles for loss (10).

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