Bills DE Von Miller on missing the first 4 games of the regular season: 'I just needed more time'

Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller needed more time to recover from ACL surgery. The Bills kept Miller on the physically unable to perform list when the roster deadline passed, meaning Miller will miss the first four games of the season.

Miller, 34, suffered a knee injury during the Bills' Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions on Nov. 24, 2022. Doctors later discovered an ACL tear, and he missed the final five games of the regular season as well as the Bills' two playoff games.

Miller underwent ACL surgery in January and said in June he expected to be healthy for the Bills' season-opener against the Jets.

Though Miller expressed optimism he would be able to return for Week 1, he is on board with the decision to wait four weeks before returning. Miller said he felt good physically, but needed more time to get ready for football.

He praised Bills general manager Brandon Beane for his handling of the situation, calling Beane the "best GM in all of sports." Miller said he would be there in person when the Bills take on the New York Jets in Week 1. Miller will also miss a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders, a road game against the Washington Commanders and a home game against the Miami Dolphins while he's on the PUP list.

Miller's presence will be missed. Miller tallied eight sacks and 10 tackles for a loss in 11 games in 2022 after the Bills signed him to a massive six-year, $120 million contract during the offseason. Free-agent acquisition Leonard Floyd should step into Miller's role during his absence after the Bills gave Floyd a one-year deal worth up to $9 million with incentives.

The decision to keep Miller on the PUP list means he'll get additional rest as the Bills look to win the AFC East for the fourth consecutive season. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro will be in his 12th year, though, with considerable mileage under his belt.