DENVER — Broncos star Von Miller has earned a reputation as a wildly productive and durable player. He has put himself in position to reach the Hall of Fame. But in this disappointing season, he couldn't keep a streak alive. Miller's 95-game regular season game run ended Sunday because of an aching left knee that caused him to miss the final moments of last week's game against the Bills. Miller last sat out the final regular-season game against the Raiders on Dec. 29, 2013 after tearing the ACL in his left knee.
Miller tested his knee for 30 minutes in pregame, going through pass-rushing drills with athletic trainer Vince Garcia watching. Given the team's record and the compromised nature of Miller's leg, the Broncos made the All-Pro inactive. Miller told Denver7 on Friday that he expected to play. But the knee didn't respond as hoped over the final 48 hours. In the waning minutes of last Sunday's loss to Buffalo, Miller came to the bench and trainers inspected his left knee. Miller shook his head and they put a coat over his shoulder pads, ending his day. The Broncos entered Sunday with a 3-8 record and out of the playoff race making it easier to exercise caution with Miller.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio said last week that there was no plan to shut down Miller for the season, but it is a situation that must be watched closely over the final four weeks.
