Bills activate Von Miller from PUP list

Miller’s debut Buffalo season was cut short by an ACL tear, the second of his career. He indicated in June that his knee had healed in full, and that his rehab process would determine his readiness for the start of the season. 

Being shifted from the active to the reserve/PUP list guaranteed a four-week absence, though, and it was in doubt for a time if he would be green-lit to return at the first possibility.

However, the 34-year-old was designated for return this week, and he accompanied the Bills on their flight across the Atlantic. That pointed to an activation on Saturday, with Miller all-but confirming the move in advance by saying he had a “94.5% chance” of suiting up in Week 5. 

His return will be welcomed given the major financial investment Buffalo made in him — a six-year, $120M pact — as well as the absence of fellow edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, who has amassed three sacks this season while serving as a starter.

Miller will presumably be used in a limited capacity in his 2023 debut, given his extended layoff and the seriousness of his injury. He will look to pick up where he left off last season, when he racked up eight sacks and 27 QB pressures in 11 games. 

Doing so would prove the former Super Bowl MVP is still capable of being an impact defender despite the ACL tear and add further to a defense which has ranked amongst the league’s best in a number of categories early in the year.

Knowing Miller was in danger of missing time at the start of the campaign, the Bills added Leonard Floyd to provide another veteran presence off the edge. The latter was signed regardless of Miller’s recovery status, however, with the pair seeking to replicate the success enjoyed during their brief shared time with the Rams. Floyd — whose one-year deal includes multiple incentives for sack thresholds — has 3.5 sacks this season. 

With Miller back in the fold and Rousseau set to return at some point, it will be interesting to see how Buffalo’s pass rush fares when it reaches full strength.