Von Miller avoided the worst outcome when suffering a knee injury in Thursday’s win over Detroit.
How long he’ll be out remains to be seen. Miller did not tear his ACL, but a Friday MRI did reveal a lateral meniscus tear, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources. Miller will be re-evaluated after seven to 10 days and will undergo surgery at some point, though the exact timing — now or after the season — remains to be seen.
If Miller had suffered a torn ACL when injured late in the first half Thursday, he’d be done for the season. Instead, he’ll be given a week or two to see how his knee responds to treatment before he and Bills doctors decide how to proceed. Playing with a brace remains a possibility, as does surgery, which would put his availability for the remainder of 2022 in serious doubt, per Rapoport.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that Miller will not play in Buffalo’s Week 13 Thursday night road tilt against New England, adding that the team will “see where it goes from there.”
Miller has played a key role in Buffalo’s defense this season, recording eight sacks, 21 tackles (10 for loss), two passes defensed and one forced fumble in 11 games. The offseason addition has upgraded Buffalo’s pass rush, and a potential departure would deal a significant blow to the Bills’ defense, which is tied for 12th in total yards allowed per game and ranks fourth in pass defense.
The next week will be crucial for Miller’s outlook. Buffalo will hope for the best as it prepares to face New England with the benefit of a longer week between games.
Bills’ Von Miller out indefinitely after suffering knee injury in win over Lions, avoids ACL tear, per report
The Buffalo Bills defense finished their Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions without one of their best players. Star pass rusher Von Miller was carted to the locker room in the first half due to a knee injury, and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the day by the team. Fortunately for the Bills, they escaped with a 28-25 win.
Miller did not tear his ACL, but the injury was severe enough for him to be out indefinitely, according to ESPN. Miller, whose injury is on the same knee that he injured in 2013, will reportedly wait two weeks before determining what the best course of action is for his injury.
According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson, the initial prognosis was sprained knee for Miller, who was scheduled for MRIs on Friday. Miller was injured with just under three minutes remaining in the second quarter. He took an inside route to rush quarterback Jared Goff, and planted awkwardly with his right knee. Miller was able to walk off the field on his own, but spent a very long time in the blue medical tent before being carted off to the locker room before halftime. The team was quick to rule him out for the remainder of the contest.
The 33-year-old has recorded 20 combined tackles, 11 QB hits, eight sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble in 10 games played coming into this week. He recorded one tackle and one QB hit before suffering his injury on Thursday.
This is a notable injury not only because of the fact that Miller is one of the Bills’ best defensive players, but that Buffalo is also very shorthanded at pass rusher. A.J. Epenesa and Greg Rousseau did not dress this week due to ankle injuries.
