Bills BREAKING: Von Miller Beginning Season on PUP

Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Von Miller will miss at least the first four games of the season.

The Buffalo Bills will have to wait a little longer for Von Miller to return to the field. 

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Bills plan to have Miller on the reserve/PUP list to begin the season. With that move, he will miss Buffalo's first four games of the season, which come against the New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins. 

The #Bills are planning to have star pass-rusher Von Miller begin the season on the reserve/PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL, source said. He’s out the first four games. pic.twitter.com/sqc6YOEDSE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2023

Miller would be eligible to return on Oct. 8 in London when Buffalo faces the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Miller is recovering from a torn ACL on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions. In 11 games last season, Miller had eight sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits. 

Miller is a three-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl winner. 

© Gary A. Vasquez, USA TO

Buffalo starting Miller on the PUP isn't a shock. His health down the stretch of the season is pivotal for the Bills in what will be a much more competitive AFC East. Rushing Miller back and risking further injury would potentially doom the Bills if they want to make another deep playoff run.

The second half of the Bills schedule includes games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jets, Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys. Any hope of Buffalo being able to withstand that brutal stretch will hinge on Miller being at 100 percent. 

With Miller out for the first four games, their pass rush will lean heavily on Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa and Gregory Rousseau. If that trio can carry the Bills defense, Miller can elevate the unit to another level when he returns.