Von Miller has torn ACL
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) grabs his right knee against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos depth on defense has been tested to its limits due to injuries to the likes of Rahim Moore and Champ Bailey, but nothing can even come close to this nightmarish scenario for the Broncos as they head into the playoffs. According to an NFL source close to the Denver Post’s Mike Klis, Broncos elite outside linebacker Von Miller tore his ACL in yesterday’s blowout win over the Houston Texans and will be out for the season.
It’s a devastating blow to the Broncos, as Miller is the second-most important player on the team behind Peyton Manning and is easily the star of the defense. Not only does Miller cover up holes on the defense with his incredible pass rushing, but he’s also one of the league’s best players against the run. Heck, he’s one of the league’s best players period, and the impact of this injury cannot be understated.
A number of people will have to step up on the Broncos defense in order for this team to move past this injury, but they are still the favorites in the AFC despite Miller’s reported ACL tear. The Broncos initially held out hope that Miller avoided this worst-case scenario, but this was exactly what they feared all along. Now more than ever, the secondary will need to buckle down, and at least the Broncos Week 17 opponent is so weak that the Broncos can rest some of their starters to avoid a crippling injury to any more of their players and still come away with a victory.
It didn’t seem like Miller suffered an ACL tear, but it just goes to show that it’s usually hard to tell until the results come in.