The Denver Broncos fear the worst with Von Miller
The 31-year-old linebacker is still a vital part of Vic Fangio’s defense, and if the Broncos truly want to make the necessary jump to contender status in Drew Lock’s second season, they need Miller to not just return to old form, but lead their defensive unit in the process.
Miller is entering his second decade in the NFL, and while his usual offseason routine of “getting away from it all” was derailed thanks to COVID-19, the Broncos expected a renewed energy from the All-Pro in 2020. Oh how quickly things can change.
On Tuesday, Miller suffered an ankle injury in practice the team fears could keep him out the majority if not all of the season. Denver is awaiting the MRI results to confirm just how serious of an issue this is, and Miller’s timetable.
Breaking: Broncos’ OLB Von Miller is expected to need surgery that is likely to end his season, league source tells @AdamSchefter.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 9, 2020
He injured a tendon in his ankle on the last play of practice Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/xC9U8VYKbo
Denver is ill-equipped to deal with a long-term injury to Miller
The Broncos can’t be blamed for that, of course. Miller is the cornerstone of their defense, and has been for quite some time now. He was the defensive leader for Denver’s Super Bowl 50-winning team, and has only gained notoriety since then.
Should Miller miss as much time as the Broncos are preparing for, that’ll make at least one major ailment for all three teams expected to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. The Raiders lost Tyrell Williams to begin the season with a shoulder injury (despite initially deciding to play through the pan), and the Chargers are without safety Derwin James to a knee injury.
We’ll have more information on Miller as it becomes available.