The Buffalo Bills received some good news as pass-rusher Von Miller has been activated off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and is back on the team’s 53-man roster. This move puts Miller in a position to likely make his return in Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Miller’s activation comes after a 10-month-plus journey to recover from his second major ACL injury in his career. The pass-rusher, in his second year with the Bills, is coming off a right ACL injury suffered on Thanksgiving.
Miller’s return to the 53-man roster raises questions about his readiness for the upcoming game. Despite being a limited participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, Miller expressed confidence in his ability to play. However, his official game status is listed as questionable, and coach Sean McDermott emphasized that they were taking it one day at a time. Considering the severity of Miller’s previous ACL injuries, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to perform at his usual level.
The Bills are dealing with multiple injuries at the defensive end position. Starting defensive end Greg Rousseau, who has been performing well with three sacks and four quarterback hits this season, will be unavailable due to a foot injury suffered in the previous game. Additionally, Shaq Lawson, another key defensive end, is listed as questionable with a toe injury. These circumstances further highlight the importance of Miller’s return and his potential impact on the team’s pass rush.
Managing Expectations
Despite being activated, it is unlikely that Miller will immediately resume his role as a full-time player. McDermott emphasized that Miller’s return will be gradual, and he is not expected to play a significant number of snaps in his first game back. Miller himself acknowledged this, stating, “I don’t expect me to jump right into things… it’ll take some time for me to get where I want to be.” The Bills’ coaching staff will need to carefully manage Miller’s workload to ensure he can contribute effectively while minimizing the risk of reinjury.
In response to the loss of cornerback Tre’Davious White, who suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles, the Bills elevated cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram from the practice squad for the upcoming game. This move aims to provide depth and support to the team’s secondary, which will face the challenge of containing the Jaguars’ passing attack. With starting cornerback Christian Benford also questionable due to a shoulder injury, the Bills will need a strong performance from their defensive backs to compensate for the absence of key players.
The Return of Von Miller
Von Miller’s activation off the PUP list marks a significant milestone in his journey to recovery. The Bills will rely on his experience and playmaking ability to bolster their pass rush and disrupt the Jaguars’ offensive rhythm. While Miller’s readiness remains a lingering question, his return offers hope and excitement for both the team and fans. As Miller steps back onto the field, all eyes will be on him, waiting to see if he can recapture his dominant form and make a meaningful impact for the Buffalo Bills once again.
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