It’s been roughly 10 months since Von Miller last put on his pads and practiced. Wednesday was the first time he was able to join his teammates in that pursuit since tearing his ACL last Thanksgiving.
“It felt like riding a bike, an old bike, but it felt like I was just hopping back on a bike again,” said Miller.
Entering his 13th season and his second recovery from knee surgery, Miller has remained positive throughout the process of rehab, conditioning and now getting back to practice.
“I’d rather be here. I’d rather have my football pads on,” said Miller. “I’d rather lead with my pads on than from the sidelines and in the film room. I’m happy to be back. I’m happy to be around my teammates.”
Miller was medically cleared before the season began, but the Bills decided to err on the side of caution and keep him out until now. Physically, he’s ready to roll.
“I didn’t feel any limitations,” said Miller. “I really tried not to think about. I’m cleared to go. So just trying not to think about it. This is just a starting point for me and you just continue to build. This is just like starting training camp all over again.”
So will the star pass-rusher make his season debut this Sunday in London? Head coach Sean McDermott said they’ll take it one day at a time.
“It’s not a time to be Macho Man right now,” said Miller. “I just want to get back in the mix and get in a flow and get in a rhythm. If they feel like the time is now, then I’ll do it. If they feel like they want to wait a week, wait two weeks, then I’ll do that too.”
The Bills’ defensive line has been outstanding this season without Miller in the lineup, and could soon be adding one of the best of all-time at his position.
“We’re rolling. I don’t want to come in here and mess the flow of stuff just to force me in there,” said Miller. “We’re rolling and if I could just find a way to get in [there] and makes some plays, man, that’s what I’ll do.”