While they managed to overcome the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the Buffalo Bills almost experienced a complete disaster when it came to one of their more important players. I’m talking, of course, about Von Miller, who had to leave Thursday’s game with what seemed like a severe knee injury at first glance.
Fortunately for the Bills, further tests afterward revealed that Miller didn’t tear his ACL, which would’ve ended his 2022 season. That said, he still tore a lateral meniscus — technically a less serious injury than an ACL, but still not insignificant for a high-level athlete known for utilizing his rare bend around the offensive edge.
According to a Tuesday update from Miller on The Von Cast, he will try and play through the meniscus tear. He’ll first let the swelling go down, but then it looks like it might be full steam ahead again.
Yes, seriously:
Von Miller says he has a lateral meniscus injury and hopes to be back by the Bills-Jets game 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YKf6nZkrIf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2022
It’s amazing how Miller casually describes a vital ligament tear as if it’s no big deal. While it’s unclear what the extent of Miller’s meniscus damage is, and recovery time does vary based on factors like age and personal physical fitness, it’s worth noting this is not a run-of-the-mill ailment. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a less severe meniscus tear, in a best-case scenario, can still range in a recovery of 3-6 weeks. And that’s for everyday, non-professional athletes who aren’t paid to beat 300-plus-pound men like a drum.
If Miller does indeed make it back to play against the Jets in Week 14, that would mark just 17 days since the initial onset of his injury. And again, that’s to play in a dangerous professional football game against elite athletes, not get ready for a morning commute to the office. In case it wasn’t clear, Miller might really be a football cyborg who just heals better. (Also: He’ll probably wear a supportive brace.)
In the meantime, in Miller’s absence, the Bills and Josh Allen will try to keep their hopeful Super Bowl ship from taking on more water this Thursday night. Already a current Wild Card in the playoff picture thanks to a midseason slump, losing to the rival Patriots on the road would not be ideal in Western New York’s quest for an elusive championship.
Unfortunately, the Bills will have to stay afloat without Miller in a tight divisional battle. And if they can survive his temporary absence (again, how???), he might soon help them pull out of their hole.
NFL fans couldn't believe Miller was ready to play so soon after his serious knee injury.
I have (currently) lateral meniscus tear. Spoke to a surgeon and he told me he wouldn’t recommend surgery. I have 12 weeks of PT https://t.co/6MmM5mT7Ff
— Ty (@TylerChapman_) November 30, 2022
It's crazy what NFL players play through https://t.co/DapIhnFPO3
— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) November 30, 2022
I trust this man knows his body more than other people but I hope he does push himself to play a week or 2 too early https://t.co/sL84C1dEjq
— Cam 🇺🇦 (@JudgesTorres) November 30, 2022
can he wait 2 more weeks lol? https://t.co/mdRh7GdaTu
— ٍ (@souvIakiii) November 30, 2022
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) November 30, 2022
Thank god https://t.co/bAleVN3iRd
— Christian Germann (@cgermann17) November 30, 2022
Wow! Awesome news! Von Miller says he has a lateral meniscus injury, but surgery isn't needed and he hopes to play NEXT week. Amazing #BillsMafia #NFL https://t.co/qfAgIqbg1I
— Rod Francis (@InRodWeTrustMTL) November 30, 2022
Of course he’ll be fine to face the Jets https://t.co/erP90Qj8mj
— $hane o mac (@DieselDevil88) November 30, 2022
