Getty Image / Timothy T Ludwig
The Buffalo Bills could be in for a rocky start this season as superstar Von Miller received bad news regarding his injury.
Sources claim he’s not ready to play yet and will remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list. So, he won’t be available to begin the season.
According to Adam Schefter, Von Miller will officially miss the first four weeks of the 2023 season. There’s a chance he can return in Week 5, however, the Bills will likely monitor Miller closely.
Buffalo is leaving Von Miller on the Physically Unable to Perform List past Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, which means he is ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season. pic.twitter.com/BCBl8FGiFk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2023
It’s only four games, but considering there are only 17 games played in the NFL, this could prove to be an issue for Buffalo.
Especially when you look at how bad the defense was without Miller in the lineup last season when he tore his ACL.
Warren Sharp shares the stats of where the Bills ranked in pressuring the quarterback with and without Von Miller. There is quite a noticeable difference.
the Bills lost Von Miller wk 12 last yr
with him?
#4 in pressure rate while blitzing at the 4th lowest rate
without him?
#24 in pressure rate despite blitzing at the 13th highest rate
despite playing Mike White, Justin Fields, Mac Jones x2 and Tua Tagovailoa without Miller https://t.co/wAFJ4NKHLT
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 29, 2023
It’s a bit alarming that the Bills increased their blitz rate and dropped from top-four to nearly last in the league in pressure rate.
Now, it is possible that the signing of Leonard Floyd this offseason could help in a big way. Last season he racked up 59 total tackles (10 for a loss), 22 quarterback hits, and nine sacks while playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
So, Floyd could serve as a band-aid until Miller returns to the lineup.
But considering Von Miller is recovering from a torn ACL injury and is 34 years old, there is a real concern that he won’t fully bounce back.
With that said, these first four weeks will be crucial for Buffalo. In their first four games, the Bills take on the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Miami Dolphins.
That means Miller will miss out on two divisional matchups. Considering the AFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, this could spell trouble for the Bills early in the season.