Von Miller active, set to make 2023 debut for Bills-Jaguars game in London

Buffalo Bills (3-1) veteran edge rusher Von Miller will make his 2023 debut in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) in London.

Miller, 34, is active for the first time since tearing his ACL last Thanksgiving in a game against the Detroit Lions. The three-time All-Pro practiced for the first time this week, opening the 21-day window in which the team could activate him off the physically unable to perform list (PUP). Miller remained confident he would be on the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, calling it a “safe bet” he’d play.

“I think that’s a safe bet,” Miller said Friday. That’s where the Bills are staying for this short jaunt to England. “It’s been a long road. Long road to recovery. I’ve had two really good practices. Had a really good practice [Friday]. I think it’s a safe bet that I’ll be out there.”

Miller, who signed a six-year, $120 million deal with Buffalo last offseason, tied for the team lead with 8.0 sacks in 11 games last season. Miller chose to sign with the Bills following a decade-long tenure with the Denver Broncos, and a half-a-season stint with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. He helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Miller recorded 4.0 sacks in four playoff games. He has amassed 123.5 sacks in 161 games.

Bills welcome Von Miller back at perfect time

Miller makes his return at a good time for the Bills, who are down multiple key pieces on their defense. After suffering a foot injury in the 48-20 Week 4 victory over the Miami Dolphins, fellow edge rusher Gregory Rousseau is OUT against Jacksonville. Buffalo is also without star cornerback Tre’Davious White, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury versus Miami.

While it would appear unlikely Miller takes on a full-time role immediately, his presence alone should do wonders for what already is a stout defense. The Bills lead the NFL with 11 takeaways and sit tied for first in the league with 16 sacks.

“He’s the ultimate closer,” quarterback Josh Allen said this week. “So, whenever he’s ready to go, we’re going to welcome him back with open arms and put him back there. … Hopefully he can pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. … It’s a very, very good unit adding a very, very good player. One of the greatest to play.”