Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller returns from four-game suspension
Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller’s four-game suspension has officially ended. Miller already has been back at the facility, as an item added in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement allows teams to welcome players back halfway through a suspension.
Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller’s four-game suspension has officially ended.
Miller already has been back at the facility, as an item added in the 2020 collective bargaining agreement allows teams to welcome players back halfway through a suspension.
Bills linebacker Von Miller, left, works against defensive end Greg Rousseau during practice on Wednesday. Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
“Happy to be back,” Miller said. “I’ve been back for like two weeks, so it’s just a practice part. But I’ve been in the meetings and stuff with the guys. And I’ve been around facility and stuff, so it’s just business as usual for me coming in this week.”
The league suspended Miller for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Miller was eligible for reinstatement on Monday.
On Nov. 30, 2023, Miller turned himself in to police in Dallas during the Bills’ bye week. A warrant had been issued for his arrest accusing him of assaulting a pregnant woman, a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The woman in the incident report was the mother of his children, and the two had been in a relationship for seven years.
Miller said in December that all of the accusations were “incorrect” and “untrue.”
Miller spoke on Wednesday for the first time since his suspension. The four-game suspension was announced by the NFL on Oct. 1, the Tuesday after the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Miller said he found out after that game.
“Right after the Ravens game,” Miller said Wednesday. “I’m in a great spot. I’m just happy all of that stuff is behind me. Since I’ve been here with the Buffalo Bills, it’s either been injury or the PUP list or the suspension. And I’m just happy to have all the stuff behind me for the first time in two and a half years and just able to just focus on football.”
Miller repeated throughout his news conference that he felt the events were in the past. He had previously said in December that the charges were “100% false,” and in July at Bills training camp, he said “the case is closed.” Asked if he therefore was surprised by the suspension, Miller talked around the question.
“I’m just happy to have all this stuff behind me,” Miller said. “I really don’t even have to touch on any of that stuff anymore. I’m just happy to have it all behind me and just to be able to focus on my career and the things that I love to do off the football field and just being the best pass rusher I could possibly be.”
Likewise, Miller did not directly answer when asked if he had considered appealing the suspension. He instead pointed to the fact that the Bills – who were 3-1 in his absence – are in a good position.
“I’m just so happy to just put all that behind me,” Miller said. “Like I answered a couple (of questions). I’m just trying to bury that and put it behind me. And like I said before, I’m happy, and I’m healthy and I’m just in a great spot to be able to move forward. Got a 6-2 team. (Bills quarterback) Josh Allen’s playing like an MVP. You know, that’s our counterpart. They put up points. I’m able to pass rush and do all the things that I do. So, that’s where my focus is.”
Miller said that during the suspension, he was “able to get a little more healthier” and come back with “really fresh legs at 35 years old.”
“It’s just like I’m starting the season all over again and I’m ready to roll,” Miller said.
Before his suspension, Miller had logged three sacks and 13 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus, with 93 defensive snaps.
“It’ll be good to have Von back,” coach Sean McDermott said Monday. “He’s been out four weeks and never sure what that brings in terms of staying refined, staying polished. But I’m sure he’s been champing at the bit to get back.
“It’ll be nice to have him back. But again, it’s never about one person, especially when you play up front. It’s about the sum of the parts and it’s about four guys rushing as one. And that’ll be important for us as we move forward as defense overall.”
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich feels Miller will reacclimate to the defensive line quickly as the Bills gear up to face the Dolphins.
“Yeah, I don’t think we’ll skip a beat,” Babich said Monday. “Obviously, we’ll see how the week of practice goes. But we’ll pick it up right where we left off.”
“He was off to a good start,” Babich added. “We’ll see where he’s at. I know he’s been working. And we’ll see where he’s at. We’ll get a good feel for it. And obviously, the more effective pass rushers you can have, the better off you’re going to be.”
Injury report
The Bills had a lengthy injury report on Wednesday, with a season-high 19 players listed. However, only offensive lineman Alec Anderson, who was excused for personal reasons, fully missed practice.Four players were limited: linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle/pectoral), wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (pectoral) and fullback Reggie Gilliam (hip).
The other 14 players were listed as full participants.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, listed 16 players on their injury report.
Ten players did not practice, albeit a few with rest days: tackle Terron Armstead (rest/knee), defensive tackle Calais Campbell (rest), cornerback Storm Duck (ankle), tight end Julian Hill (shoulder), wide receiver Tyreek Hill (rest), safety Jevon Holland (hand/knee), cornerback Kader Kohou (neck), linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (bicep/illness), safety Jordan Poyer (rest) and defensive tackle Zach Sieler (eye).
Miami linebacker Jordyn Brooks (hamstring/wrist), wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) and defensive tackle Benito Jones (knee) were limited. The Dolphins listed three players as full participants
