NFL Rumors: Buffalo Bills' Von Miller Could Miss Opening of Season

The Buffalo Bills took a chance on an ageing veteran when they signed edge rusher Von Miller in the 2022 offseason, and his health hasn't cooperated as they might have hoped. In his 53-man roster projection, the Athletic's Joe Buscaglia posits the Super Bowl 50 MVP could begin the season on the Players Unable to Perform list.

The Bills roster is basically set for the summer. And in a time-honored tradition, let's take a way, way, way too early look at how the 53-man roster could play out.

My first Bills 53-man roster projection for the 2023 season, all @TheAthletic: https://t.co/LqBDwEejYd
— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) May 9, 2023

Miller tore his ACL in late November, costing him the last five games of the Bills' season and both their playoff matchups. Buscaglia believes that injury could linger through the remainder of the offseason and potentially into the regular season. A stint on PUP would cost Miller the first six games of the regular season.

The Bills signed Miller to a six-year, $120 million deal to be a closer in crucial games. He logged two sacks in the Bills' 24-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, and he earned an excellent 85.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his 450 snaps last season. When available, Miller remains a game-wrecker.

Any missed games for Miller would obviously be less than ideal, but an early absence would probably suit the Bills better than a late one. He's been an incredibly effective postseason pass rusher throughout his career (10.5 sacks in 11 games), and the Bills were severely lacking in that department in their Divisional Round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals (one sack on 37 dropbacks). If Miller can peak in January, six missed games in September and October will be a modest price to pay.