Is Von Miller Injured or Healthy? Will Miller be ready by Week 1?

June 6, 2023

The Buffalo Bills made a splash during the 2022 offseason by signing Von Miller to a massive deal. Miller is seven months removed from the ACL tear he suffered. Will he be ready for Week 1?

The Buffalo Bills made a splash during the 2022 offseason by signing Von Miller to a massive six-year, $120 million deal. Miller made a great first impression in Buffalo, totaling eight sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 21 tackles (10 for loss) in his first 11 games with the team. 

His defensive presence was massive for a playoff team hoping to get to the Super Bowl. But the veteran, unfortunately, suffered a torn ACL in Week 12, which ended his first season in Buffalo early. 

What's the outlook on Miller now? Will he be ready for Week 1? Let's dive in. 

Is Von Miller Injured or Healthy?

Miller is almost seven months removed from the ACL tear he suffered on November 24, 2022. Of course, he is not present at the Bills' OTAs to begin the offseason as he works his way back from injury. 

The recovery time for a torn ACL varies depending on the player, but most should be out for eight to 12 months. So, Miller will enter that timeline at the end of July, right around when Training Camp begins. There's a shot the 34-year-old pass rusher participates and does light work during camp. 

This was the second ACL tear for Miller in his career (both in the same right knee). He also tore his ACL during the 2013 season in Week 16 but found himself playing just nine months later in Week 1 at 100%. 

Will history repeat itself? 

Will Von Miller be ready by Week 1?

When the Bills open the season against the Jets on Monday Night Football, Miller will be 9 1/2 months removed from his ACL injury. That gives the defensive star a hopeful chance to suit in Week 1. 

Miller also expects to return in Week 1 on Monday night:

"You know I love guarantees," Miller told Channel 9NEWS in Denver. "It's me. It's Von. I love guarantees. I want to play. In 2013, I had [ACL] surgery in January, and I played at the beginning of August in the preseason. So that put me around seven months, eight months.

"And 10 years removed from that, 2023, I have a whole new outlook. I know exactly where I'm supposed to be at two months, four months, six months, and in the position where I'm at now. I feel great, I feel comfortable. I feel like I'll be ready to go at the start of the season."

It's encouraging to see Miller so optimistic in June about his availability in September. There's no guarantee the 12-year NFL vet will be ready for Week 1, but there's a good chance he returns within the first four weeks of the season. 

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