29 August 2023 , 19:03
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Buffalo Bills superstar pass-rusher Von Miller will miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season - meaning he will not face Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in Week 1.
Rodgers is preparing for his highly-anticipated Jets debut following his blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason. Rodgers enjoyed 18 years as a member of the Packers, winning a Super Bowl ring along with a collection of individual accolades - and his move to the Jets has been the biggest storyline of the offseason.
As a result, Rodgers will make his regular season Jets debut against the Bills in a huge Monday Night Football contest. The 39-year-old will be pleased to know that his offense will not have to worry about facing Miller, one of the top defensive rushers in the league.
Miller injured his right ACL in the Bills’ Thanksgiving Day clash in a game against the Detroit Lions. After initially hoping the two-time Super Bowl champion would return at the end of the regular season or even in the playoffs, Miller was forced to have surgery in December where his lengthy spell on the sidelines was confirmed.
Miller will miss at least the first four games of the 2023 NFL season as the Bills don't plan to remove the 34-year-old from the physically unable to perform list before Tuesday’s deadline. It means he will be absent from the Bills’ clashes with the Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins.
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In 2022, Miller agreed to a six-year deal worth $120 million with the Bills in free agency. He played in each and every game before his injury, and finished the season tied for the team lead in sacks with eight in just 11 games, while he also led Buffalo in pressures (38), pass rush win rate (23.6 percent) and pressure percentage (14.5 percent).
In 2013, Miller tore his left ACL but returned for the start of the 2014 season with the Denver Broncos. He remained with the team throughout training camp, including working out to the side of practice a majority of the days and had hoped to return against Rodgers and the Jets in the anticipated 2023 opener.
Earlier this offseason, the Bills added Miller’s former Los Angeles Rams teammate Leonard Floyd to beef up their defensive line before trading 2021 second-round pick Boogie Basham to the New York Giants. It means Buffalo will lean on Floyd, Gregory Rousseau and 2020 second-round pick A.J. Epenesa while Miller recovers.
Von Miller is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and his presence will boost the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl chances (Getty Images)Ultimately, the loss of Miller is a good thing for Rodgers and the Jets, who harbour concerns over their offensive line. There are question marks over the two tackle positions, with Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown both battling fitness issues ahead of the 2023 season.
Last season, the Jets enjoyed a promising start only for poor quarterback play to derail a playoff push as the team finished 7-10 and bottom of the AFC East. New York will hope to claim a huge scalp and showcase their championship credentials when they face the Bills in Week 1 on Sept. 11
New York be forced to test their championship credentials in Week 1 when they open their 2023 campaign against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11.