Broncos Injury Report: Von Miller misses first game in nearly six years

The knee injury that was downplayed a week ago kept the linebacker off the field for the first time since the 2013 season

BY JAMES MERILATT

Dec 2, 2019, 7:04 AM Updated: 7:16 am

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A week ago today, it was revealed that Von Miller had injured his knee in the Broncos loss to the Bills. The linebacker finished the game, but he was sore enough on Monday that the team had him undergo an MRI.

For the rest of the week, Miller mostly stood on the sidelines and watched practice. It led to speculation about whether or not the MVP of Super Bowl 50 would play against the Chargers.

Vic Fangio said Von Miller, listed as questionable, is "truly 50-50" with his left knee injury.

Miller has started the last 91 consecutive reg.-season games for the 2nd-longest streak among active LBs.

Ryan Kerrigan was 1st (139 games), but his streak will end this weekend.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) November 29, 2019

When the Broncos announced their list of inactive players, the answer became clear. Miller’s streak of starting every game since Week 1 of the 2014 season was coming to an end.

During Von Miller’s 95-game start streak, he played 5,251 defensive snaps and totaled 332 tackles (81 for loss), 74 sacks, 151 QB hits, 16 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 14 passes defensed and two interceptions.

And 1 Super Bowl MVP award.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 1, 2019

While this development might concern Broncos Country, the move was mostly a precaution. Given the way the season has gone for Denver, playing Miller when he was less than 100 percent wasn’t worth the risk.

Was told Von Miller wanted to go, but with team at 3-8, best long-term decision was to not play. 95-game playing streak will end. Not considered a surgical injury. But he was limping early in week. It’s sore. #9sports https://t.co/ZU25qlKCqL

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) December 1, 2019

Now, attention turns to next week at Houston. Will Miller be on the field when he returns home to Texas?