Report: Von Miller Will Return for Denver Broncos Third Preseason Game vs. Texans
Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has enjoyed a fairly speedy recovery after tearing his ACL against the Houston Texans in week 16 of the 2013 season, but I don’t know how many people could have guessed it would go this well.
According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, there is a chance Miller could not only play but start the Broncos’ third preseason game against the Houston Texans next week. Miller has been working in more in team drills (11-on-11) and appears on track to play at least a bit in the preseason.
This is humongous news for the Broncos, and there’s no other way to put it. Many figured Miller might be ready to play week one when the Broncos take on the Colts. Perhaps not even the most optimistic viewed the preseason as an option for the star linebacker in his recovery from major surgery.
It really is a testament to how hard Miller has worked this offseason. His ACL surgery recovery has been remarkable, and his dedication to getting back out on the field and setting the example off of it has obviously paid off in a big way.
According to Legwold, the plan is for Miller to get some extensive snaps with the starters in the game against the Texans in which the top unit will play at least a half, maybe more. Legwold also reported that Miller is set to be a full participant in padded practices when Houston comes to Denver for their joint practices next week.
It’s almost too exciting to type a clear sentence.
With Miller back in the fold, the Broncos will be able to put out one of the best pass rush duos in the NFL at the same time on the same field for the first time in a couple of years. Since Elvis Dumervil left Denver, it was just Von Miller, and then when Miller was suspended, it was just…no one.
Now, with DeMarcus Ware and Miller at the same time, teams will have something to really fear when they go up against this Broncos defense. They will get a dose of the new, talented duo in Houston next week of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, but Ware and Miller have their sights set on being the best pass rush duo in league history.
And it all starts next week. Apologies in advance to Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, and Tom Savage.